Financial Services Agency

Cybersecurity

Japan Launches Latest Cross Industry Cybersecurity Exercise with 177 Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/10/2025

This 10th annual exercise includes drills for data breaches, asset outflows, and a 'blind' scenario for banks to test industry resilience.

Credit Risk

Japan FSA Flags Higher Mortgage Default Risk in Longer-Term, Cross-Border Loans

By Editors | 13/10/2025

New FSA analysis of regional bank data finds higher default rates for loans over 35 years and those made outside a bank's home region.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Tokyo Court Jails Ex-MUFG Manager for Safety Deposit Box Theft

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/10/2025

The manager was sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing gold and cash from customer safety deposit boxes, prompting Japan’s FSA to ban cash storage and tighten bank oversight.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Rising Financial Fraud in Japan and Countermeasures to Tackle It

By Gavin Blair | 07/10/2025

Record fraud losses in Japan, driven by police impersonation scams, are prompting new countermeasures as criminals move online and overseas.

Credit Risk

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.

Operational Risk

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.

Clearing & Post-Trade

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.

PEPs & 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.

KYC & CDD

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.