Financial Services Agency

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.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Updates SME Revitalisation Rules, Emphasises Proactive Role for FIs

By Manesh Samtani | 18/03/2026

The update encourages early action on business succession and M&A, and calls on financial institutions to be more proactive in supporting distressed firms.

Enforcement

Japan to Raise Max Jail Penalty for Unlicensed Crypto Sales - Report

By Editors | 17/03/2026

Regulator plans to move crypto oversight to the securities law framework and significantly increase fines and prison sentences.

ESG / Sustainability

ICMA Report Highlights Need for APAC Convergence of ESG Ratings Rules

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

New report highlights the rise of voluntary codes and binding rules for ESG ratings providers across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Banking Body to Develop Risk Guidelines for LBO Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The Japanese Bankers Association will release guidelines this month to address the risks of the growing leveraged buyout market.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Prioritises Real-World Use Cases to Guide Digital Asset Rule-Making

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A senior official outlined Japan's focus on fostering real-world applications for stablecoins and tokenised assets while seeking global consensus on DeFi.

Trending

BOJ Sets Bank Examination Priorities for Fiscal 2026

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

BOJ to scrutinise financial institutions' business models, governance, and management of credit, market and operational risks.

Sanctions

New FATF Report Calls for Crackdown on Offshore Crypto Providers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New report outlines risks from offshore crypto firms and calls for coordinated global action from regulators and financial institutions.