Japan

Crypto / Digital Assets

SBI Launches Japan's First Stablecoin Lending Service for Retail

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

The service offers high yields on USDC but comes with explicit counterparty and liquidity risks.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan, UK Seek Alignment on ISSB, Basel III and Crypto Regulation

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2026

Regulators discussed sustainability reporting, digital assets, and reaffirmed their commitment to the full, timely, and consistent implementation of Basel III.

Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Create CFIUS-Style Screening Body

By Editors | 18/03/2026

The government has approved a bill to create a new cross-ministerial body for screening foreign investments on national security grounds.

Capital / Liquidity

Japan Updates SME Revitalisation Rules, Emphasises Proactive Role for FIs

By Manesh Samtani | 18/03/2026

The update encourages early action on business succession and M&A, and calls on financial institutions to be more proactive in supporting distressed firms.

Enforcement

Japan to Raise Max Jail Penalty for Unlicensed Crypto Sales - Report

By Editors | 17/03/2026

Regulator plans to move crypto oversight to the securities law framework and significantly increase fines and prison sentences.

Fintech / Regtech

BOJ Paper Outlines Role of Verifiable Credentials in Digital Finance

By Manesh Samtani | 16/03/2026

New report details how verifiable credentials could streamline KYC and secure transactions, highlighting the new vLEI standard for corporate identity.

Securities / Derivatives

Dark Pools Stabilise Calm Markets But May Harm Volatile Ones: JPX Paper

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/03/2026

New working paper suggests dark pool trading aids stability in low-volatility but can impair price discovery during market stress.

Enforcement

Korean Privacy Regulator Fines Lotte Card Over Data Breach

By Mark Johnston | 16/03/2026

The penalty follows a probe that found the firm illegally processed customer data and failed to implement adequate security measures.

ESG / Sustainability

ICMA Report Highlights Need for APAC Convergence of ESG Ratings Rules

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

New report highlights the rise of voluntary codes and binding rules for ESG ratings providers across Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.