Japan

Sustainable Finance

BOJ Disburses First Loans to FIs to Fund Green Finance Activities

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 02/01/2022

$18bn worth of loans were disbursed under a new measure that enables FIs to receive zero-interest funds from the central bank against efforts to address climate change.

Credit Risk

BOJ to Roll Back Bond Purchases, Funding Support for Large Firms

By Mark Johnston | 22/12/2021

The BOJ has rolled back emergency pandemic funding for large firms but will maintain ultra-loose monetary policy while extending financial relief for small firms.

Market Abuse

Japan SESC Recommends Fine for Insider Trading on Crypto Hack

By Editors | 20/12/2021

An individual who learned about the July 2019 theft of cryptocurrency from BITPoint Japan sold shares in its parent before the hack was publicly disclosed.

Climate Risk

BOJ to Assess Market Functioning in Relation to Climate

By Editors | 14/12/2021

The BOJ will gather stakeholder views on how climate-related risks and opportunities are reflected in stock and bond prices and how to develop the ESG bond market.

Sustainable Finance

Japan Unlikely to Issue Sovereign ESG Bonds in the Near Future

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/12/2021

Issuing ESG bonds separately from conventional JGBs could make the process of borrowing money less efficient, said finance ministry official Masato Kanda.

Structural Regulation

Refinitiv Set to Launch Tokyo Swap Rate Fallback

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 13/12/2021

The Tokyo Swap Rate Fallback is based on a static spread adjustment and the Tokyo Swap Rate (for swaps referencing TONA), which was launched in October.

Stablecoins

Japan FSA Seeks to Introduce Restrictions on Stablecoin Issuance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/12/2021

The FSA reportedly seeks to propose legislation to only allow banks and wire transfer companies to issue stablecoins, and to regulate wallet providers.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan: Sony Life Employee Embezzles $155m While Working Remotely

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/12/2021

The Sony Life Insurance employee allegedly embezzled $155mn while working on liquidating the reinsurer’s assets after it closed.

Market Data & Technology

JPX Creates New Subsidiary to Accelerate Market Innovation

By Mark Johnston | 04/12/2021

The new subsidiary will enable JPX to accelerate its work to diversify its businesses, advance the sophistication of its services, and improve market efficiency.