Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) Presents a New Regulatory System That Divides Crypto Assets into Separate Groupings

The Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) presents a regulatory system which divides crypto assets into separate groupings.

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan is proposing a new regulatory framework for crypto assets, aiming to create a system that effectively manages the unique risks and characteristics of various digital assets.

The country, recognized for its leading role in crypto oversight, is introducing a fresh categorization system to handle emerging issues. The FSA intends to establish regulatory classifications for crypto assets, segregating them between financial products available through widespread trading and speculative token assets, each tier attracting different regulatory levels commensurate with its risk factor.

The crypto asset framework, unveiled through a fund distribution-based classification system, delivers targeted regulatory measures for better effectiveness. This strategic shift aims to handle the distinct risks of various digital assets, ultimately supporting Japan’s development of a secure, innovative crypto ecosystem.

The FSA is seeking feedback from the public on its proposals, which must be submitted by May 10, 2025, through the “Verification of the state of the system related to crypto assets” discussion paper. The agency plans to complete the crypto regulatory framework by considering both global regulatory developments and feedback obtained from the public.

The FSA intends to submit revised versions of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to parliament starting from 2026. The revision will focus on classifying cryptocurrency as a separate financial product category, rather than a payment instrument, falling beneath the new regulatory structure of digital assets in Japan.

The proposals come as retail investor protection is a key focus, with the new framework aiming to safeguard this group of investors. For businesses dealing with financial product-classified cryptocurrencies, the FSA requires enhanced disclosure obligations to be placed on these businesses in order to increase market transparency and protect the integrity of the market.

The agency also intends to strengthen both the cybersecurity defenses and anti-money laundering (AML) security protocols which protect crypto trading exchanges.

The proposals also come as the country is planning to introduce tax reforms for cryptocurrency profits. Currently, the tax rates for crypto trading profits are 15% or 15%–55%, which might change to match stock investment tax rates at 20%. The proposed changes will also bring more investors into the crypto market through simplifying taxation procedures for cryptocurrency holders.