Japan

AML / KYC

Japan FSA to Step Up AML Dialogue with FIs Ahead of 2028 FATF On-Site Review

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The regulator is shifting focus from technical compliance to proven outcomes, requiring firms to establish robust verification and improvement cycles.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japanese Asset Managers Consider Crypto Funds Amid Regulatory Thaw - Report

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/11/2025

Six major firms including Nomura and SBI are exploring crypto investment trusts, contingent on key tax and legal reforms.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan: FSA Guidance Prompts Termination of Crypto ETF Derivatives Offering

By Mark Johnston | 19/11/2025

Japanese brokerage IG Securities will withdraw Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF contracts after the FSA deemed offering derivatives on overseas crypto products ‘undesirable’.

ESG / Sustainability

Japan Proposes 5x Hike in Threshold for Prospectus Exemption

By Manesh Samtani | 19/11/2025

A working group discussed raising the threshold to ease fundraising for startups and refining the professional investor framework.

Japan Sets New Rules for Donations Using Prepaid Instruments

By Manesh Samtani | 18/11/2025

New framework enables donations via prepaid payment instruments to limited recipients, seeking to balance fraud prevention with the need for innovation.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan to Revise Corporate Governance Code to Target Employee Wages

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/11/2025

The move signals a potential reversal of shareholder-friendly reforms and aims to encourage companies to increase employee wages amid rising inflation.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan Expands Clearing Eligibility to Include Active ETFs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/11/2025

The amendment aims to boost liquidity for actively managed funds by making them eligible for obligation assumption services.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan to Reclassify 105 Cryptoassets as Financial Products

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/11/2025

The move would bring tokens like Bitcoin under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, introducing new disclosure rules and a potential tax cut.

Crypto / Digital Assets

JPX Mulls New Rules to Guard Against Crypto-Hoarding Firms

By Mark Johnston | 17/11/2025

The bourse operator is weighing new measures to protect investors after steep losses in listed “digital-asset treasury” firms.