Japan

ESG / Sustainability

Japan Unlikely to Issue Sovereign ESG Bonds in the Near Future

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/12/2021

Issuing ESG bonds separately from conventional JGBs could make the process of borrowing money less efficient, said finance ministry official Masato Kanda.

Market Infrastructure

Refinitiv Set to Launch Tokyo Swap Rate Fallback

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 13/12/2021

The Tokyo Swap Rate Fallback is based on a static spread adjustment and the Tokyo Swap Rate (for swaps referencing TONA), which was launched in October.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Seeks to Introduce Restrictions on Stablecoin Issuance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/12/2021

The FSA reportedly seeks to propose legislation to only allow banks and wire transfer companies to issue stablecoins, and to regulate wallet providers.

AML / KYC

Japan: Sony Life Employee Embezzles $155m While Working Remotely

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/12/2021

The Sony Life Insurance employee allegedly embezzled $155mn while working on liquidating the reinsurer’s assets after it closed.

Fintech / Regtech

JPX Creates New Subsidiary to Accelerate Market Innovation

By Mark Johnston | 04/12/2021

The new subsidiary will enable JPX to accelerate its work to diversify its businesses, advance the sophistication of its services, and improve market efficiency.

ESG / Sustainability

BOJ Outlines Three ‘Essential’ Elements of Climate Response

By Mark Johnston | 03/12/2021

BOJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda discussed scenario analysis, sustainable finance, and enhanced disclosures.

ESG / Sustainability

Disclosure on All TCFD Categories Increasing Year by Year: JPX

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 01/12/2021

Of the 259 TCFD-supporting companies surveyed, 42 had disclosures in all 11 TCFD categories; 36 did not have disclosures in any of the categories.

Enforcement

Japan FSA Orders Mizuho to Undergo Structural Reforms

By Editors | 29/11/2021

Mizuho is directed to formulate plans to improve its governance and prevent more system failures from occurring. Three top executives will resign.

ESG / Sustainability

Japan FSA Calls for Sharper Focus on ‘Transition’ Concept

By Mark Johnston | 29/11/2021

The FSA’s Satoshi Ikeda says corporate disclosures need to capture genuine progressive efforts towards achieving carbon net zero, not just point-in-time snapshots.