Japan

Fintech / Regtech

Japan Crypto Industry Set to Adopt Travel Rule

By Editors | 13/03/2022

The travel rule will increase transparency on the individuals and entities crypto exchanges deal with, as the government seeks to prevent sanctions evasion.

Market Infrastructure

BOJ Forms Cross-Industry Forum on Interest Rate Benchmarks

By Editors | 09/03/2022

The Forum will facilitate discussions on efforts to enhance the reliability of JPY interest rate benchmarks and practical issues related to the choice and usage of those benchmarks.

AML / KYC

Japan to Freeze More Russian Assets, Block More Exports

By Editors | 08/03/2022

Japan has added 32 Russian and Belarusian officials and oligarchs to its sanctions list and will freeze the assets of an additional four banks.

Enforcement

SMBC Nikko Employees Arrested in Manipulation Probe

By Editors | 07/03/2022

Two Japanese and two foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly manipulating at least five stocks when handling block orders for clients.

Securities / Derivatives

JSDA Proposes Measures to Improve IPO Pricing Mechanism

By Editors | 03/03/2022

JSDA proposes to allow brokers greater flexibility in IPO price-setting, and to allow prices to exceed pre-set bands if demand is strong.

AML / KYC

Singapore, Korea, Switzerland Announce Sanctions Against Russia

By Manesh Samtani | 01/03/2022

Singapore will block certain Russian banks and financial transactions connected to Russia. Major Singapore banks are already restricting trade financing for Russian commodities.

Fintech / Regtech

JPX Acquires Stake in Mitsui-Backed Crypto Exchange

By Editors | 28/02/2022

JPX says the investment will help it strengthen its relationship with the issuer of ZipangCoin, a new digital currency pegged to the price of gold.

AML / KYC

Russia Facing Comprehensive Sanctions Over Ukraine Invasion

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2022

The US is targeting all ten of Russia’s largest financial institutions. Russian access to most major markets has been restricted.

Market Infrastructure

Japan FSA to Inspect FIs for Cybersecurity Effectiveness

By Editors | 22/02/2022

The FSA will carry out inspections to verify the effectiveness of cyber security systems at FIs. Common issues and good practices identified will be shared with the industry.