Financial Services Agency

Capital / Liquidity

Japan, China Regulators Watching Smaller Banks as Competition Spurs Risk-Taking

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 06/10/2025

Compressed margins and nimble competitors are forcing smaller banks in Japan and China to move up the risk spectrum, prompting regulatory scrutiny.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Finalises New Lease Accounting Rules for Financial Sector

By Editors | 01/10/2025

The rules require banks and insurers to bring most leases onto their balance sheets, aligning with new national accounting standards.

Securities / Derivatives

ECB Engages Banks on Capital Rules Amid Indian CCP Dispute - Report

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/09/2025

The banks have suggested routing trades through Indian lenders to circumvent direct dealings with CCIL, while ECB works on a “joint approach” with Indian regulators to resolve the dispute.

Sanctions

Japan Reimposes Iran Sanctions, Requiring FIs to Freeze Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 30/09/2025

The measures target 78 entities and 43 individuals, requiring financial institutions to implement payment controls and enhanced due diligence.

AML / KYC

Japanese Banks Team Up with Power Utilities to Curb Money Laundering

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/09/2025

The system will cross-check new bank account applications against utility contract data, helping prevent identity fraud and reduce verification costs for financial institutions.

Enforcement

Japan 's Nippon Life Uncovers Data Misuse as Regulator Intensifies Scrutiny of Insurers

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/09/2025

An internal review found staff seconded to banks accessed confidential sales information without authorisation, prompting the insurer to take disciplinary action.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan Proposes Rule Change to Widen CCP Scope for Investment Trusts

By Editors | 17/09/2025

The FSA has opened a consultation on a proposal to allow central counterparties to clear a broader range of funds, including active ETFs.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan’s FSA Pushes Regional Banks Beyond Loans

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/09/2025

The FSA is calling on regional banks to go beyond traditional lending by helping local businesses raise equity, advising on funding strategies and facilitating deals.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan FSA Formally Proposes to Regulate Crypto Under Securities Law

By Manesh Samtani | 05/09/2025

The FSA is seeking to move digital assets from payments rules to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, citing investor protection needs.