Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has conducted a comprehensive review of cryptocurrency regulations, including potential changes to bank involvement in the sector. The review (link below) spans the entire regulatory landscape, with banks being one of several topics examined.
The FSA’s review suggests possibly allowing banks to hold cryptocurrencies for their own investment purposes and permitting bank subsidiaries to engage in crypto issuance, trading, intermediation and investment management. However, the regulator remains cautious about banks trading as principal or providing client services. This approach differs from other jurisdictions, which have generally taken a more permissive stance on banks providing intermediary services while remaining conservative about balance sheet exposure to crypto assets.
Several risks were outlined for banks engaging with cryptocurrency, including money laundering, cybersecurity threats, price volatility and reputational damage. Banks are currently prohibited from issuing crypto or engaging in trading activities where they act as principal.
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