Japan

Fintech / Regtech

Japan's FSA Proposes Stricter Rules on AML Tech and Vendor Oversight

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

Draft guidelines elevate previous expectations to firm requirements for financial firms, targeting technology adoption, trade finance, and outsourcing.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan's JCB, Resona to Pilot Retail Stablecoin Payments in Regulatory Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The collaboration between JCB, Resona and, Digital Garage, aims to test USD and JPY-pegged stablecoins at physical stores.

Enforcement

Japan FSA to Probe Prudential Life as CEO Quits Over Fraud

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/01/2026

The FSA is considering disciplinary action after an internal probe found over 100 staff bilked 500 customers in a scandal dating back decades.

Enforcement

Japan FSA Approves Turnaround Plan Submitted by Iwaki Shinkin Credit Union

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/01/2026

The five-year plan aims for governance reform and addresses recent business improvement orders, following a 2012 public fund injection.

ESG / Sustainability

Japanese Firms Weigh Return to NZAM With Less Demanding Climate Goals

By Mark Johnston | 16/01/2026

The Net Zero Asset Managers initiatives will restart with relaxed requirements to navigate US legal risks and political pressure.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Mitsui to Launch Japan’s First Aircraft and Vessel Digital Securities

By Nithya Subramanian | 15/01/2026

Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co plans to fractionalise capital-intensive transport assets via blockchain, offering retail investors access to lease-backed returns from 2026.

Market Infrastructure

Trump-era Policies Create Fresh Opportunities for Japan’s Megabanks

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 13/01/2026

As Japanese firms scale up in the US, the three megabanks are likewise moving to deepen client-led expansion.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Seeks Operator for Fraud Data Sharing System

By Mark Johnston | 13/01/2026

Japan's FSA opens applications for a subsidised project to build a shared infrastructure for freezing fraudulent bank accounts amid a record surge in financial scams.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Proposes Measures to Expand Use of Prepaid Instruments

By Manesh Samtani | 12/01/2026

The FSA is consulting on proposals to expand the use of prepaid instruments for donations and for certain payments to local governments.