Japan’s finance minister says she supports crypto trading at stock exchanges

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama supports the integration of crypto trading services by stock exchanges, designating 2026 as the "digital year" for the country [1][2] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The Japanese regulatory framework for digital assets has historically separated them from traditional capital markets, governed under the Payment Services Act rather than securities law [3] - Regulators are considering shifting crypto into the securities framework to better align with how these assets are utilized and regulated [3] - The Financial Services Agency is advancing plans to overhaul crypto regulation and taxation by the 2026 fiscal year, including proposals for a flatter tax framework for crypto gains [4] Group 2: Market Integration and Adoption - Katayama emphasized the importance of regulated venues in expanding crypto adoption, stating that securities and commodity exchanges play a crucial role in allowing the public to benefit from digital assets [2] - The government is moving from cautious oversight to structured integration, supporting exchanges in developing advanced fintech and trading environments [5] - Katayama highlighted the success of crypto investment products in the U.S. through ETF structures, indicating a potential for similar developments in Japan [3]