Japan

Trading & Investment

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.

Cloud & Infrastructure

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.

Cryptocurrency

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.

Market Abuse

MUFG Brokerage Unit Primary Dealer Status Suspended

By Manesh Samtani | 17/07/2018

Dealer found to be manipulating prices in JGB futures trading, resulting in one-month suspension of the firm’s primary dealer status for one month.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Japan’s Higashi-Nippon Bank Under Fire for Lending Misconduct

By Manesh Samtani | 16/07/2018

The bank falsified customers’ financial records to boost loans, illicitly charged fees on loans in addition to interest, and used inappropriate financing methods involving over-lending to customers.

Trading & Investment

Myanmar Stock Market Starts to Open to Foreign Investors

By Emma Zhou | 10/07/2018

Under a new law due to take effect from 1 August, resident foreigners will be able to invest in up to 35% of the share capital of YSX-listed companies.

Operational Risk

Japan FSA Issues Revised Report on Supervisory Overhaul

By Manesh Samtani | 08/07/2018

Report was revised following consultation on proposed move to ‘dynamic supervision’ model; FSA says existing supervisory approaches deter focus from priority issues and may not prevent next crisis.

Cryptocurrency

Japan’s Line Corp To Launch Crypto Exchange in Singapore

By Garima Chitkara | 02/07/2018

Cryptocurrency exchange will be launched outside Japan, with application with Japan FSA still pending; Line Corp looking to capitalise on user base for payments, transfers and asset management services.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan to Use Credit Scores to Monitor Crypto Trading

By Emma Zhou | 29/06/2018

The Japanese government plans to use personal credit information and social media IDs to monitor suspicious crypto trading activities and accounts.