Japan

Securities / Derivatives

Japan Working Group Proposes Overhaul of Market Abuse Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 19/02/2026

Proposals include higher fines for insider trading, new penalties for accomplices, and expanded investigative powers for regulators to tackle unlicensed firms.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan Regulators Probe Insider Trading Case at Mizuho Securities

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2026

Japan’s SESC is probing a Mizuho Securities investment banker for suspected illegal trading using confidential client information.

Enforcement

Japan’s Dai-ichi Life Uncovers Unauthorised Data Transfers by Employees

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2026

The life insurer uncovered 1,155 unauthorised customer data transfers, prompting executive pay cuts and tighter controls on agency secondments.

Capital / Liquidity

Japanese Banks Show Improved Resilience to Interest Rate Risk: AMRO

By Manesh Samtani | 16/02/2026

The megabanks have strengthened asset-liability management and shifted their portfolios to manage interest rate risk in the banking book.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan's FSA Explores 'Agile Governance' Approach for AI Use

By Manesh Samtani | 16/02/2026

Regulators and industry leaders discussed balancing innovation with risk management, highlighting the need for management accountability and better data strategies.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan FSA Gives Backing to Blockchain Securities PoC

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/02/2026

Nomura, Daiwa, and three megabanks will test settling stock and bond trades using blockchain and a jointly-issued stablecoin.

AML / KYC

Korea Proposes Real Estate Watchdog with Warrantless Access to Bank Data

By Mark Johnston | 13/02/2026

Financial institutions face new data-sharing obligations under bill creating real estate regulator with powers comparable to securities regulator.

Enforcement

Prudential Japan Faces FSA Probe, USD 350M Hit From Fraud Scandal

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2026

Insurer establishes a third-party panel and overhauls compensation after uncovering a JPY 3.1 billion fraud by employees.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan's Nomura, Daiwa Partner with Megabanks on Stablecoin Trading Platform

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The project will allow investors to use stablecoins for 24-hour, real-time settlement of stocks, bonds, and investment trusts.