Japan FinTech Observer | Tontines | ex-Goldman & Barclays Tech MD
activist investor
The combination of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's "management that is conscious of capital" policies, and active investors have led to record share buy-backs, and increased dividends during the 2024 calendar year. In response to Elliott Management, which had taken a 5.03% stake in Tokyo Gas
crypto
Open House Group has commenced cryptocurrency payment acceptance, enhancing convenience for global customers looking to purchase Japanese real estate. Initially supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum, the company will leverage its group strengths to progressively offer comprehensive, one-stop services encompassing property search, purchase, management, and sales consultation. The Open House Group boasts
venture capital
Mizuho Bank and Mizuho Capital, both consolidated subsidiaries of Mizuho Financial Group, have established the "Mizuho Business Succession and Capital Strategy Fund" (total amount: 10 billion yen) to support "capital policies aimed at smooth business succession and strengthening competitiveness of Japanese companies." Mizuho has positioned "
venture capital
SBI Holdings announced that SBI Ventures Two, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, will acquire shares of Solaris SE, to make it a consolidated subsidiary. Reason for acquisition of shares SBI Holdings has invested in Solaris SE through the funds it manages and its subsidiary since 2017. Solaris SE has
bitcoin
Metaplanet, a leading Bitcoin Treasury Company, announced the launch of its Bitcoin Plan for 2025-2026. This plan outlines a bold strategy to accumulate 10,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2025, and 21,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2026. This would solidify the Company’s position as one of
quantum computing
SoftBank and Quantinuum agreed to a wide-ranging partnership in quantum computing. By combining their respective strengths, both companies will unlock innovative quantum computing solutions that will overcome the limitations of classical artificial intelligence (AI) and realize next-generation technologies. This unique initiative coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and
banking
SBI Shinsei Bank is working to enhance the corporate value of the SBI Shinsei Bank Group. As part of this effort, management is examining capital policies, including the repayment of public funds, which is a significant issue. Herewith, SBI Shinsei Bank is providing an update on the current status of
NFT
Mercari has launched "Mercari NFT" today, an online marketplace for NFTs on Mercari. The new service allows users to use Mercari to buy and sell popular NFTs available on OpenSea, a major NFT marketplace based in the US. This change kicks off the expansion of Mercari’s business
payments
Nuvei announced an expansion in Asia-Pacific (APAC), having completed the acquisition of Paywiser Japan, including its acquiring license granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The license enables Nuvei to progress with launching direct acquiring capabilities in Japan across all major card schemes, and to extend
Weekly
Welcome to the ninety-sixth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. Here is what we are going to cover this week: * Venture Capital & Private Markets: JAL & Hitachi participate in BeZero Carbon's USD 32m Series C; Z Venture Capital & Decima Fund participate in Vivident's seed
regulation
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has published a draft summary of issues and practices for dialogues on verifying the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures for public comment, due by Thursday, February 20, 2025. The FSA emphasizes a shift towards continuous self-assessment by financial institutions, coupled with in-depth dialogue with the
Insurance
The Financial Services Agency, through the respective Financial Bureaus, has issued administrative orders against Good Speed and Toyota Mobility Tokyo, both of which are involved in car sales, repair, and also operate as insurance agencies. Both companies have been found to have significant issues across multiple areas, including: improper insurance