Japan

Cryptocurrency

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.

KYC & CDD

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.

Trading & Investment

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.

Data Privacy

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 Data

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.

Credit Risk

Japan Banking Body to Develop Risk Guidelines for LBO Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The Japanese Bankers Association will release guidelines this month to address the risks of the growing leveraged buyout market.

Stablecoins

Japan FSA Prioritises Real-World Use Cases to Guide Digital Asset Rule-Making

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A senior official outlined Japan's focus on fostering real-world applications for stablecoins and tokenised assets while seeking global consensus on DeFi.

Operational Risk

BOJ Sets Bank Examination Priorities for Fiscal 2026

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

BOJ to scrutinise financial institutions' business models, governance, and management of credit, market and operational risks.

Anti-Money Laundering

New FATF Report Calls for Crackdown on Offshore Crypto Providers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New report outlines risks from offshore crypto firms and calls for coordinated global action from regulators and financial institutions.