FINANCIAL SERVICES AGENCY

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Regulator Approves Country’s First Stablecoin Licence

By Thisanka Siripala | 06/03/2025

SBI VC Trade has become the first company in Japan to obtain a stablecoin licence. Several other firms plan to launch stablecoins.

Big Picture

Japan FSA to Develop Regulatory Guidance on AI Adoption

By Thisanka Siripala | 05/03/2025

In a new discussion paper, the FSA warns that delayed AI adoption could weaken the financial industry. It cites the “risk of inaction” as a key concern.

Enforcement

Mizuho Bank Discloses Safe Deposit Box Theft from 2019

By Thisanka Siripala | 19/02/2025

Mizuho Bank said it tightened its system of storing spare keys after an employee stole from customer safe deposit boxes in 2019.

ESG / Sustainability

ACMF Starts Work on New Action Plan for ASEAN Capital Markets

By Nithya Subramanian | 17/02/2025

The action plan, to be released by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum in October 2025, will serve as a five-year roadmap to advance ASEAN capital markets.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan FSA Warns Regional Banks Against Repackaged JGBs – Report

By Thisanka Siripala | 14/02/2025

The FSA expressed concerns with regional banks investing in financial instruments which bundle JGBs with derivatives.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Considers Stricter Disclosure Rules for Crypto Firms

By Thisanka Siripala | 12/02/2025

The proposed framework would require crypto firms to disclose financial and operational information like publicly traded companies.

Big Picture

Swift Action Needed for Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

By Thisanka Siripala | 11/02/2025

The Europol-backed Quantum Safe Financial Forum said FIs and policymakers must take immediate steps towards a quantum-safe financial ecosystem.

Securities / Derivatives

Tokyo Police Arrest Former Nomura Employee on Fraud Charges

By Thisanka Siripala | 11/02/2025

The former employee offered a false investment story to an elderly customer and defrauded her of JPY 10 million

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan Orders Apple, Google to Block Unregistered Crypto Apps

By Thisanka Siripala | 08/02/2025

The FSA is targeting Bybit, MEXC Global, LBank Exchange, KuCoin, and Bitget, which have been operating without proper registration under Japan’s Payment Services Act.