Japan's Financial Services Agency Seeks Public Comments on Digital Payment and Cryptocurrency Regulatory Details

Odaily News Japan's financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), has initiated a public comment period on draft implementation rules concerning cryptocurrencies, electronic payment instruments, and financial institutions. The draft clarifies specific execution requirements following the 2025 amendments to the Payment Services Act, including updates to official notices, administrative guidelines, and related regulatory rules.

The draft covers multiple aspects, including the designation of newly added bonds as supporting assets, the regulatory framework for electronic payment instruments and crypto-related intermediary services, and updated regulatory guidelines for financial institutions and their subsidiaries. This public consultation will last until February 27, 2026. After completing the necessary procedures, the relevant regulations will officially take effect, and the consultation results will be announced separately.

Furthermore, the Japanese FSA is planning adjustments to the overall regulatory framework, with the goal of launching Japan's first batch of spot crypto ETFs by 2028. The related roadmap also includes reclassifying cryptocurrencies as "specific assets" under the Investment Trust Act, promoting a reduction of the crypto capital gains tax from a maximum of 55% to a unified 20%, and reserving implementation space for further strengthening custody and investor protection standards. (Cryptobriefing)