Japan

Capital / Liquidity

Japan’s Regional Banks Told Not to Blame BOJ for Woes

By Manesh Samtani | 23/08/2018

FSA commissioner urges regional banks, whose profits are down 30% from 5 years ago, to explore ways to manage low interest environment, other than blaming monetary policy.

Securities / Derivatives

CFTC Grants Osaka Exchange FBOT Registration Status

By Editors | 23/08/2018

Osaka Exchange demonstrates the attributes of an established, organised exchange which is subject to continued oversight by regulators, the CFTC said.

Enforcement

Japan’s Suruga Bank Under Fire for Potentially Illegal Loans

By Manesh Samtani | 22/08/2018

Draft report by investigative panel says the bank’s management failed to take reasonable caution against lending malpractice involving the falsification of documents.

AML / KYC

Japanese Regional Banks to Set Up AML Information Sharing

By Manesh Samtani | 16/08/2018

An information sharing network between 64 regional banks aimed at AML/CFT efforts is part of a larger legal and regulatory push in the country against money laundering in preparation for an FATF inspection.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency Framework Needs Update – Japan FSA

By Manesh Samtani | 16/08/2018

On-site inspections revealed a lack of internal controls, inadequate governance and poor business models at exchanges.

Enforcement

Mizuho To Pay $1.25mn Fine To US SEC

By Manesh Samtani | 26/07/2018

SEC alleged that Mizuho failed to prevent traders sharing stock buyback information pertaining to its issuer clients with each other and with hedge fund clients.

Market Infrastructure

BOJ Forms Benchmark Reform Committee

By Editors | 24/07/2018

Committee to discuss developing recommendations on JPY interest rate benchmarks, the challenges arising from each and proposals for other solutions.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan FSA Reorganises to Meet Fintech Challenge

By Editors | 19/07/2018

Newly created Strategy Development and Management Bureau responsible for financial policy, fintech, cryptocurrencies, money laundering, as well as administraitive duties and inspections at financial institutions.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bank-backed Crypto Exchange Opens to Retail Investors in Japan

By Garima Chitkara | 19/07/2018

Following limited launch by SBI Holdings in June, cryptocurrency exchange VCTRADE has now begun accepting retail investors; no applications allowed from corporate or institutional investors.