日本考虑允许银行持有并交易比特币

Core Insights - The Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering allowing banks to hold and trade cryptocurrencies for investment purposes, which would alter the long-standing regulatory framework in the banking sector [1] - The FSA aims to create a system that enables banks to trade cryptocurrencies similarly to stocks and government bonds, responding to the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies as financial products [1][2] - Current regulations restrict banks from purchasing cryptocurrencies for investment due to their high volatility, but the FSA plans to implement specific regulatory measures to ensure financial stability [3] Group 1 - The FSA plans to establish a framework that allows banks to act as cryptocurrency trading service providers, facilitating easier access for individual investors [2] - The number of cryptocurrency accounts in Japan has exceeded 12 million as of February, representing a growth of approximately 3.5 times over the past five years [1] - The FSA is seeking to balance market access with the need to maintain financial stability as the cryptocurrency market expands [3] Group 2 - Current regulations, revised in 2020, effectively prohibit banks from purchasing cryptocurrencies for investment due to the associated risks [3] - The FSA is expected to discuss the establishment of a risk management framework specifically for cryptocurrencies [3] - The move to allow banks to trade cryptocurrencies could enhance institutional compliance and credibility in the cryptocurrency market [2]