The Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) announced that blockchain-based financing adaptation will become a priority direction within the 2026 program. The regulator will develop measures related to payments, securities settlements, tokenization, and cross-border transactions. A "Blockchain Finance Forum for the AI Era" is also planned, where technical, regulatory, and supervisory issues will be discussed. In this context, the FSA will focus on ensuring user protection and the stability of the financial system.
According to the new strategic plan published on September 15, the FSA announced its intention to explore the use of blockchain in cross-border transactions and accelerate securities settlements. Tests will be conducted in both the private and public sectors for this purpose. Blockchain-based testing is already underway as part of the program. For example, Mitsubishi UFJ group companies began testing transactions with Japanese government bonds on the Canton Network platform in August. This trial aims to automate processes and enable 24-hour settlements. Japanese authorities are also considering the tokenization of financial assets. The regulator plans to work with market participants to reduce timeframes and modernize securities settlements, which are currently based on T+2.
Cross-border payments are also included in the 2026 policy, with the planned "Asia Day 2027" during Fintech Week to address money transfer issues. This event will involve both public and private sectors and will take place between February and March 2027. Alongside regulatory activities, private financial groups are launching tokenization projects. Notably, SBI Global Asset Management, in collaboration with DigiFT, launched a tokenized Japanese equity fund on the Solana network. The importance of combining new technologies with existing infrastructure was emphasized by the FSA in light of global trends in blockchain and AI, which will improve money transfer processes and securities settlements.
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