Japan Financial Services Agency Urges Banks to Tighten Controls on Crypto-Linked Transfers

Japan’s Financial Services Agency also warned lawmakers about blockchain-based prediction markets, while Finance Minister Katayama said Japan still needs continued review of DEX regulation.

Summary

Japan’s Financial Services Agency previously asked banks and industry groups to strengthen controls on illicit transfers sent to crypto exchanges amid rising internet banking fraud and refund scams. In a new development, the agency expressed strong caution about blockchain-based prediction markets during a House of Councillors finance committee session on the 21st, after lawmaker Shuichi Harada raised Polymarket. Finance Minister Katayama also said continued review of DEX regulation remains necessary in Japan, indicating broader regulatory scrutiny of crypto-related activity beyond bank transfers.

Terms & Concepts
  • DEX: A decentralized exchange that lets users trade digital assets directly on blockchain-based systems without relying on a centralized intermediary.
  • blockchain-based prediction markets: Platforms built on blockchain that let users trade on the outcomes of future events, often using tokenized or crypto-based mechanisms.
  • Crypto exchange: A platform where users buy, sell, or transfer digital assets such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.