Japan

Structural Regulation

Japan's Securities Industry to Form Joint Venture for Back-Office Operations

By Mark Johnston | 07/01/2026

The new company, backed by the JSDA and major brokerages, aims to cut costs and ease the administrative burden for smaller firms.

Cryptocurrency

Japan Minister Signals Support for Integrating Crypto into Mainstream Finance

By Mark Johnston | 06/01/2026

Satsuki Katayama pledges government support for integrating digital assets into traditional market infrastructure and cutting taxes to drive the “first year of digitalisation".

Structural Regulation

JPX Confirms Major TOPIX Overhaul, Further Governance Reforms

By Manesh Samtani | 06/01/2026

Group CEO Yamaji Hiromi confirmed market-cap based selection for the TOPIX index and outlines ongoing work on governance reforms.

Data Privacy

South Korea Launches Sector-Wide Probe Following Shinhan Card Data Leak

By Mark Johnston | 29/12/2025

FSC convenes emergency meeting after internal employee leaks 192,000 merchant records; FSC to inspect all card issuers.

Payments & Settlements

TSE to Launch OTC Carbon Credit Settlement Service in March 2026

By Editors | 29/12/2025

The new service will streamline settlement for specific J-Credits, initially targeting forestry projects, to boost trading convenience and support decarbonisation.

Cryptocurrency

Bybit to Cease Japan Crypto Services, Citing Regulatory Pressure

By Editors | 26/12/2025

Bybit will phase out services for Japanese residents to comply with the FSA's strict registration requirements.

Trading & Investment

Japan Considers Incentives to Channel Household Savings into JGBs

By Editors | 24/12/2025

The finance ministry is considering new incentives to channel household wealth into JGBs as the central bank reduces its bond purchases.

Trading & Investment

JPX to Revamp JGB Futures Rules to Attract Foreign Investors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/12/2025

Osaka Exchange plans to overhaul its market-maker programme amid rising volatility and demand for long-end hedging tools.

Stablecoins

Japan's SBI Holdings to Launch Yen Stablecoin in Q2 2026

By Mark Johnston | 19/12/2025

The stablecoin will be structured as a “Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument”, which means it will not be subject to a cap on domestic remittances and fund balances.