Japan’s Finance Minister Backs Crypto Trading on Exchanges

Core Viewpoint - Japan's government is actively supporting the integration of cryptocurrency trading into regulated stock and commodity exchanges, aiming for a structured approach to digital assets in 2026, termed as Japan's "digital year" [1][2]. Group 1: Government Support and Strategy - The government emphasizes that digital assets should be traded within existing regulatory frameworks to ensure investor protection and oversight [2]. - Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama highlighted that traditional exchanges are preferred for public access to digital assets, as they are viewed as more trustworthy compared to standalone crypto platforms [3]. - The government is closely monitoring international markets, noting that crypto-linked exchange products are already trading on major venues in the United States [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) proposed shifting crypto oversight from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, aligning it with the regulation of stocks and funds [5]. - This regulatory shift would classify major cryptocurrencies as financial products, introducing stricter disclosure requirements and enforcement measures [5]. - Enforcement actions have intensified, with authorities requesting the removal of apps linked to unregistered overseas exchanges, making local approval essential for access to Japanese users [6]. Group 3: Taxation and Stablecoins - The government is considering a tax policy change to lower the crypto gains tax from a progressive rate of up to 55% to a flat rate of 20%, aligning it with the taxation of stocks and funds [6]. - Stablecoins, such as the yen-backed JPYC, are part of the broader strategy to integrate digital assets into the banking system, rather than creating a separate crypto economy [7].