BaaS
GMO Aozora Net Bank is providing banking functions such as deposits, loans, and credit analysis in a BaaS format to contribute to the operation of a "data-driven banking system that aims to provide "security and safety," "flexibility," "low cost," and "high-quality UI/
blockchain
AltX Research announced that KDDI Corporation has joined as a Vision Partner for its keystone project, “Japan Smart Chain” (JSC), a Japan-sovereign layer 1 blockchain. JSC is the foundational, Japan-sovereign blockchain platform, featuring full compatibility with Ethereum and validated entirely by domestic industry leaders. It is engineered as a “compliance-first”
broker/dealer
Following the announcement of their strategic partnership in November 2024, BridgeWise and Rakuten Securities are launching their advanced StockWise equity analysis solution on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Rakuten Securities will provide its over 12 million customers with free access to cutting-edge investment insights for Japanese and U.S. equities, powered
Weekly
Welcome to the one hundred twenty-first edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. In Japan’s Upper House Elections, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party along with partner New Komeito lost its majority in the chamber. This marks the first since 1955 that the LDP-led government has fallen below a majority in
bankruptcy
In a newsletter published at the end of June, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune (AMT) lawyers explained the newly enacted "Act on Procedures for Adjustment of Debts Owed by Business Operators to Financial Institutions, etc. for Facilitating Business Turnaround," referred to as the "Early Business Turnaround Act."
bank of japan
As the Bank of Japan has now completed the sale of single stocks it purchased from banks as part of its financial system stabilization measures, the focus is shifting towards an exit strategy for the holdings of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) purchased under the large-scale monetary easing. For this discussion, we
regional banks
The Daiwa Institute of Research published a paper titled "Cross-Prefectural Restructuring of Regional Banks: The Reorganization of Local Economic Zones at its Foundation" on July 11, 2025, providing a detailed analysis of the ongoing restructuring of Japan's regional banking sector, and arguing that these realignments are
generative ai
The "Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI in Financial Institutions" is a comprehensive framework designed to help Japanese financial institutions navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Generative AI. Version 1.1 represents a significant update to the initial release, incorporating a year's worth of practical
life insurance
Neo First Life Insurance, a member of the Dai-ichi Life Group, has entered into a business partnership with Car Seven DigiField, which operates a used car buying and selling franchise chain. Through this business partnership, Neo First Life Insurance will begin providing various insurance services and information, including an "
artificial intelligence
Tokio Marine dR (TdR) and Corpy & Co. will begin a strategic business partnership from July 2025 aimed at supporting the promotion of AI utilization by Japanese companies. Through this partnership, TdR's AI governance-related expertise will be combined with Corpy's advanced AI technology to contribute to
settlement
Regarding the settlement period for stock transactions, Japan migrated from T+3 to T+2 in July 2019, and currently settlement takes place two business days (T+2) after the transaction date (T day) when stock trading occurs. Regarding this stock settlement period, major countries and regions are implementing or
mergers & acquisitions
In a report published on July 11, 2025, the Daiwa Institute of Research (DIR) analyzes the significant increase in Tender Offer (TOB) activity in Japan from 2020 to mid-2025, highlighting a new phase in corporate strategy. 1. TOB Activity is Surging to Record Levels The report's primary finding