The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with Okasan Securities and IT services firm TISI, has published findings from a joint research initiative examining the issuance of blockchain-based security token (ST) bonds. Initiated in February 2026, the study represents the first proof-of-concept (PoC) in Japan to
Samsung Electronics and Rakuten Rewards have rolled out an integrated rewards and payment feature aimed at expanding the functionality of Samsung Wallet for U.S. consumers. Under the newly announced "Samsung Wallet Perks, powered by Rakuten," eligible U.S. Galaxy users can earn cash-back rewards across digital
Web3 infrastructure developer Startale Group has rolled out a series of institutional finance and real-world asset (RWA) initiatives across Japan and international digital asset markets. Within a seventy-two-hour window, the company entered into a strategic pact with BlackRock and SBI Holdings, opened retail and accredited access to
Mirae Asset Securities has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Tokyo-based Sanko Securities from Okasan Securities Group, securing direct operational access to Japan’s equities and capital markets. The transaction marks the first time a South Korean brokerage has obtained direct trading qualifications to conduct full-
Financial services conglomerate SBI Holdings has entered into a preliminary agreement with CRB Group, the parent entity of U.S.-based Cross River Bank, to establish a strategic alliance, take an equity stake, and form a Japan-based joint venture. Under the basic agreement the two financial groups intend to
Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company has expanded its strategic partnership with UK-based asset manager Man Group, agreeing to allocate ¥200 billion ($1.27 billion) in investments and mandates over the next three years and outlining plans to acquire an equity stake of approximately 5% in the firm. The agreement,
Welcome to the one hundred eighty-seventh edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Bank of Canada, and the Federal Reserve Board will make policy rate decisions on Wednesday this week, followed by the European Central Bank on Thursday, and the Bank of Japan
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ant International to collaborate on cross-border payments and drive regional business expansion, targeting trade flows connected to Japan, Singapore, and Southeast Asia. Under the agreement, the core banking unit of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group will leverage its
Daiichi Life Group is facing pressure to raise its takeover bid for Challenger after the Australian annuities specialist declined an initial AU$11.80-per-share approach today. The Tokyo-based insurer first lobbed its non-binding proposal a week earlier on October 19 through its wholly owned subsidiary, TAL
Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) has agreed to acquire Tokyo-based advisory firm Sangyo Sosei Advisory (SSA) to expand its investment banking, real assets, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) operations in Japan, subject to regulatory approval from the Financial Services Agency. SSA's team will
In mid-October 2026, Chinese financial authorities notified Daiwa Securities Group and Mizuho Financial Group that they had passed final operational readiness reviews, system audits, and on-site supervisory inspections, granting both groups full regulatory authorization to conduct wholly owned securities operations in mainland China. These approvals conclude protracted licensing
Japan is decisively closing the chapter on decades of structural deflation, positioning its economy and capital markets for higher nominal expansion, rising bond yields, and attractive equity returns over the next 10 to 15 years, according to J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s "2027 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions&