Japan

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Regulator Approves Country’s First Stablecoin Licence

By Thisanka Siripala | 06/03/2025

SBI VC Trade has become the first company in Japan to obtain a stablecoin licence. Several other firms plan to launch stablecoins.

Big Picture

Japan FSA to Develop Regulatory Guidance on AI Adoption

By Thisanka Siripala | 05/03/2025

In a new discussion paper, the FSA warns that delayed AI adoption could weaken the financial industry. It cites the “risk of inaction” as a key concern.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FSA Japan Proposes Stricter Rules for “Professional Token Sales”

By Thisanka Siripala | 27/02/2025

Professional token sales will be subject to requirements to disclose the technical structure of the asset, issuer information, and intended use of funds.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Revises Rules to Enable Digital Document Delivery to Clients

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/02/2025

Securities firms will be allowed to provide digital documents to customers for financial instruments transaction contracts, instead of physical documents.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Eases Regulations to Boost Funding for Startups

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/02/2025

The amendments include a higher upper limit for capital raised via crowdfunding. The maximum individual investment limit is also raised.

ESG / Sustainability

GenZero, Mizuho Agree to Collaborate on Transition Credits Projects

By Nithya Subramanian | 24/02/2025

The partnership aims to boost investments in transition credit projects and build awareness of the importance of this asset class.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan to Ease Stablecoin and Crypto Brokerage Regulations

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/02/2025

The reforms would introduce a new “intermediary” category for crypto brokerage businesses and allow stablecoins to be backed by a broader range of assets.

Japan Extends Insider Trading Regulations to Venture Funds

By Thisanka Siripala | 21/02/2025

Provisions also allow investment corporations to acquire their own units if pre-approved in their rules and with investor consent.

Enforcement

Mizuho Bank Discloses Safe Deposit Box Theft from 2019

By Thisanka Siripala | 19/02/2025

Mizuho Bank said it tightened its system of storing spare keys after an employee stole from customer safe deposit boxes in 2019.