Japan

Emerging Prudential Risks

BOJ Flags Stability Risks From Insurers' Shift to Alternatives, Reinsurance

By Manesh Samtani | 26/05/2026

BOJ review highlights growing financial stability risks from life insurers' increasing use of asset-intensive reinsurance and exposure to private funds.

Cryptocurrency

Polymarket Prepares to Lobby for Japan Market Approval

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/05/2026

The prediction market platform is reportedly preparing a multi-year lobbying effort to have its products authorised, targeting government approval by 2030.

Cybersecurity

Japan Urges Banks to Bolster Defences as It Gains Access to Advanced AI

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/05/2026

Regulators have issued new guidance on AI-powered cyber threats as the government and major banks are set to receive access to Anthropic's powerful Claude Mythos model.

Sustainable Finance

Japan to Widen Green Bond Scope Amid Issuance Slowdown

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/05/2026

Tokyo plans to revise its green bond guidelines to include a broader range of technologies, responding to a downturn in climate-related fundraising.

Tokenisation

BOJ Signals Exploration of Tokenised Deposits Alongside CBDC

By Manesh Samtani | 22/05/2026

BOJ's Himino Ryozo outlined the central bank's multi-faceted approach to digital money, including a new exploration into tokenised deposits settled with tokenised central bank reserves.

Cryptocurrency

Japan's SBI and Rakuten Preparing to Introduce Crypto Investment Trusts

By Nithya Subramanian | 21/05/2026

SBI and Rakuten are developing bitcoin and ethereum investment trusts, with the FSA planning a new regulatory framework by 2028.

Stablecoins

Japan's Ruling Party Approves AI and On-Chain Finance Blueprint

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/05/2026

The policy proposal calls for a five-year roadmap to develop a new financial infrastructure using tokenised deposits, yen stablecoins, and AI.

Stablecoins

Japan Finalises Rules, Creating Legal Path for Foreign Stablecoins

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/05/2026

The regulator has amended key ordinances, allowing certain foreign trust-based stablecoins to be treated as payment instruments, not securities, from 1 June.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BOJ Warns of Systemic Risks from Investment Funds

By Nithya Subramanian | 19/05/2026

The central bank warned that growing exposure to hedge funds and private markets could amplify volatility and transmit global shocks into Japan’s financial system.