JAPAN

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA to Crack Down on Unlicensed Crypto Investment Firms

By Editors | 10/01/2019

Currently, investment firms collecting funds from investors in cryptocurrency do not explicitly fall under Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Crypto / Digital Assets

UPDATED – Japan FSA Considers Approving Crypto ETFs

By Editors | 08/01/2019

The FSA is gauging industry interest in crypto ETFs, following its release of a new draft framework for the sector that could become law in 2020.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan FSA Publishes New Draft Framework on Crypto Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 19/12/2018

The framework will impose restrictions on privacy coin listings, margin trading, derivative transactions and ICOs, and introduce new requirements to protect investors against hacks.

Enforcement

Tokyo Bourse to Probe Nissan over Former Chairman’s Alleged Misconduct

By Editors | 27/11/2018

The Tokyo Stock Exchange will examine Nissan’s internal controls and consider punitive penalties including possible delisting, amid allegations of financial misconduct by its former chairman.

AML / KYC

Japan’s MUFG in Ongoing AML Probe by New York Regulators

By Manesh Samtani | 23/11/2018

The probe has been ongoing since late 2017, where MUFG is alleged to have intentionally ignored internal controls meant to prevent it doing business with sanctioned entities.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Tokyo Police Arrest Eight in Connection with Cryptocurrency Pyramid Scheme

By Editors | 19/11/2018

The suspects allegedly solicited investments in what they claimed was a US investment firm, collecting over $72mn in cash and cryptocurrencies from about 6,000 people.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan to Probe Corporate Bond Underwriting Practices

By Garima Chitkara | 14/11/2018

An FSA official told Bloomberg that the regulator will discuss the issue of unsold bonds held by underwriters during its regular discussions with market participants.

Market Infrastructure

Japan to Propose Amendments to Simplify Bank Merger Process

By Mark Pufpaff | 08/11/2018

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed ministers to propose amendments to existing laws to simplify consolidation of regional banks, many of which are struggling to maintain profitability.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan’s Suruga Bank to Receive $2.2bn Credit Line from BOJ

By Mark Pufpaff | 05/11/2018

The credit line is aimed at preventing a liquidity crunch after a scandal involving falsified proof of income and assets to approve loans resulted in mass withdrawals by depositors.