Japan Plans to Reclassify Digital Assets as Financial Products by 2026

Japan Set To Classify Cryptocurrencies As Financial Products

  • Japan‘s Financial Services Agency plans to reclassify cryptocurrencies as financial products through amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
  • The proposed changes may lead to more favorable taxation for crypto investors and pave the way for cryptocurrency ETF launches in Japan.
  • New legislation against insider trading in cryptocurrency markets is also being developed to strengthen investor protections.

Japanese cryptocurrency investors are preparing for significant regulatory changes as the country’s financial watchdog moves forward with plans to reclassify digital assets as financial products. The initiative, while generating enthusiasm among crypto enthusiasts, faces several legislative hurdles before implementation, with the formal amendment bill expected to reach Parliament in early 2026.

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According to a report by Nikkei, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is advancing efforts to reclassify cryptocurrencies through amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This represents a substantial shift from the current framework, where digital assets are categorized as crypto assets with property rights and recognized as payment methods.

The FSA has outlined a methodical approach to this transition, planning to establish “a private expert study group” to evaluate potential impacts before proceeding. The regulatory body aims to submit the amended legislation to Parliament in the first months of 2026 if preliminary assessments prove favorable.

Industry experts suggest this regulatory shift could produce substantial benefits for Japan’s cryptocurrency ecosystem. The reclassification would likely facilitate the introduction of cryptocurrency ETF launches in the country, aligning with increasing global acceptance of such investment vehicles. Additionally, the change could reduce the tax burden on cryptocurrency investors by applying existing capital market regulations to digital assets.

Beyond the reclassification initiative, the FSA has announced plans to develop new regulations targeting insider trading in cryptocurrency markets. “It is a direction to establish a new insider trading regulation that prohibits trading based on unpublished internal information,” the FSA stated, adding that they will “develop laws to prevent unfair transactions.” These measures aim to strengthen investor protections as digital assets become integrated into the traditional financial framework.

Japan’s cryptocurrency landscape has been gaining momentum with several recent developments. Last week, stablecoin issuer USDC-rollout-across-major-exchanges-details/”>Circle secured approval from the FSA to distribute USDC across major Japanese exchanges. Additionally, Japan’s Metaplanet Bitcoin-push/”>has recruited Eric Trump to join its Strategic Board of Advisors while continuing to accumulate Bitcoin.

The regulatory evolution demonstrates Japan’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive framework for cryptocurrencies, balancing innovation with investor protection as digital assets gain broader acceptance in traditional finance.

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