Financial Services Agency

Fintech / Regtech

Japan Finalises Stricter AML/CFT Guidelines for Financial Firms

By Manesh Samtani | 03/04/2026

Revised rules clarify requirements for risk assessments, technology adoption, and the management of outsourced functions, and will apply immediately.

AML / KYC

Japan Proposes Mandatory Information Sharing for Banks to Combat Fraud

By Mark Johnston | 31/03/2026

The FSA has released draft amendments requiring deposit-taking institutions to share data on fraudulent accounts through a centralised platform.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan FSA Warns KuCoin Amid Broader Crypto Oversight Push

By Mark Johnston | 30/03/2026

The regulator has flagged several offshore platforms for unregistered services ahead of planned legislative changes to strengthen its enforcement powers.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan FSA Targets Deficiencies in Sustainability, Governance Disclosures

By Manesh Samtani | 30/03/2026

FSA annual review identifies persistent and new shortcomings in corporate reporting, focusing on substance over form in key areas.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Directs Banks to Provide Flexible Financing Amid Mideast Tensions

By Manesh Samtani | 30/03/2026

The request follows a high-level meeting between government ministers and financial industry leaders to address potential financing disruptions for businesses.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japanese Lawmakers Launch Task Force to Draft On-Chain Finance Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/03/2026

The new LDP project team aims to create a national framework for tokenised finance, putting pressure on regulators and financial institutions.

Enforcement

Japan Court Rules on Director Liability in Suruga Bank Fraud Case

By Manesh Samtani | 24/03/2026

Court ordered former directors to pay JPY 4.76 billion in damages, while a separate mediation with victims of a loan scandal concludes without full resolution.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SBI Launches Japan's First Stablecoin Lending Service for Retail

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

The service offers high yields on USDC but comes with explicit counterparty and liquidity risks.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan, UK Seek Alignment on ISSB, Basel III and Crypto Regulation

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2026

Regulators discussed sustainability reporting, digital assets, and reaffirmed their commitment to the full, timely, and consistent implementation of Basel III.