Japan Launches Historic Crypto Regulatory Overhaul: Crypto Assets to Be Formally Included in Securities Law, Fully Departing from the 'Payment Tool Era'
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is advancing a historic regulatory reform to shift cryptocurrency regulation from the Payment Services Act (PSA) to the stricter Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). This reclassification officially recognizes crypto assets as investment products, similar to stocks and bonds, and subjects them to securities-level investor protection and disclosure standards.
The reform, based on a finalized report from an expert panel, aims to enhance investor safeguards, combat fraud, and align with international frameworks like the EU's MiCA. Key measures include stricter disclosure requirements for Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), stronger enforcement against unregistered platforms—including overseas and decentralized exchanges—and a ban on insider trading and market manipulation.
Additionally, Japan is considering reducing the crypto tax rate from up to 55% (miscellaneous income) to 20% (capital gains), matching stock taxation, to encourage institutional and retail investment. The changes are expected to be enacted by 2026.
marsbit12/10 15:49
