Financial Services Agency

Structural Regulation

Japan’s FSA Unveils Action Plan to Bolster Corporate Governance

By Manesh Samtani | 01/07/2025

“Action Program 2025” targets corporate cash hoarding, board independence, and cross-shareholdings, and proposes a safe harbour rule for sustainability disclosures.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Japan FSA Finalises Third Revision of Stewardship Code

By Manesh Samtani | 27/06/2025

The revisions will help to promote collaboration between institutional investors and improve transparency of the identities of beneficial shareholders.

Cryptocurrency

Japan FSA Reviews Regulatory Framework for Crypto Assets

By Manesh Samtani | 25/06/2025

Japan’s FSA proposes to reclassify crypto as financial products, potentially paving the way for Bitcoin ETFs and a flat 20% capital gains tax.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan Enacts New Law to Tackle Illegal Online Gambling

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/06/2025

The revised law empowers agencies to request takedowns of online casino ads while expanding public awareness efforts across media and venues.

Operational Risk

Japan FSA Refines Assessment Framework for Internal Audit Function

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/06/2025

The FSA’s new report seeks to address industry requests for greater clarity on the specific requirements of the four-stage assessment framework.

Structural Regulation

Japan FSA Finalises Rule Change for Proprietary Trading Systems

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/06/2025

The FSA is removing the volume-based reporting requirements for PTS authorisation because there are other transparency measures in place.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

JPX Exchanges Take Disciplinary Action Against Tachibana Securities

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/06/2025

Tachibana Securities misled elderly investors through improper stock solicitations and excessive fees amid repeated internal oversight failures.

Sustainable Finance

Japan FSA Publishes Findings from Carbon Market Study Group

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/06/2025

New report outlines considerations to improve the transparency and financial integrity of carbon credit transactions in Japan.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan: Major Banks Sign Data Sharing Agreement with NPA

By Thisanka Siripala | 19/06/2025

The banks will share information with police on transactions and accounts identified as being linked to fraud.