Financial Services Agency

Enforcement

Japan Makes First Arrests in $4.6b Securities Hijacking Probe

By Mark Johnston | 02/12/2025

Authorities apprehend two suspects linked to a market manipulation scheme involving hijacked online accounts and record-breaking fraudulent trading volumes.

ESG / Sustainability

Japan FSA Proposes Amendments to Mandate Sustainability Reporting

By Nithya Subramanian | 28/11/2025

Japan’s FSA has proposed disclosure reforms, including mandatory sustainability reporting for major Prime Market companies and expanded requirements on human capital.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Working Group Approves Draft Report on Future of Crypto Regulation

By Mark Johnston | 28/11/2025

The draft report outlines plans to combat insider trading, allow bank subsidiaries to invest in crypto, and reform Japan's IEO rules.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan to Mandate Crypto Exchange Reserves to Cover Hack Losses

By Manesh Samtani | 27/11/2025

The FSA plans 2026 legislation to ensure customer compensation following a series of high-profile security breaches in the sector.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA to Step Up AML Dialogue with FIs Ahead of 2028 FATF On-Site Review

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The regulator is shifting focus from technical compliance to proven outcomes, requiring firms to establish robust verification and improvement cycles.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japanese Asset Managers Consider Crypto Funds Amid Regulatory Thaw - Report

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

Six major firms including Nomura and SBI are exploring crypto investment trusts, contingent on key tax and legal reforms.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan: FSA Guidance Prompts Termination of Crypto ETF Derivatives Offering

By Mark Johnston | 19/11/2025

Japanese brokerage IG Securities will withdraw Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF contracts after the FSA deemed offering derivatives on overseas crypto products ‘undesirable’.

ESG / Sustainability

Japan Proposes 5x Hike in Threshold for Prospectus Exemption

By Manesh Samtani | 19/11/2025

A working group discussed raising the threshold to ease fundraising for startups and refining the professional investor framework.

Japan Sets New Rules for Donations Using Prepaid Instruments

By Manesh Samtani | 18/11/2025

New framework enables donations via prepaid payment instruments to limited recipients, seeking to balance fraud prevention with the need for innovation.