Japan's Finance Minister Endorses Crypto Integration in Stock Exchanges

Japan's Finance Minister Supports Crypto in Stock Exchanges

Japan's Finance Minister, Satsuki Katayama, has expressed full support for the integration of cryptocurrency trading services in the country's stock exchanges. This move aligns with her vision of 2026 as a transformative 'digital year,' according to Coinpost, a Japanese crypto news platform.

During a ceremony in Tokyo marking the year's first stock market trading session, Katayama emphasized the pivotal role of regulated venues in fostering crypto adoption. "To ensure the public benefits from digital and blockchain-type assets, securities and commodity exchanges play a crucial role," she stated.

Currently, digital asset trading in Japan operates separately from traditional capital markets, a distinction rooted in the Payment Services Act. However, regulators are contemplating a shift to categorize crypto under the same securities framework as stocks and bonds, reflecting its evolving use and regulation, as reported by CoinDesk.

Katayama highlighted international trends, noting the U.S.'s adoption of crypto investment products through ETFs as a hedge against inflation. She signaled a willingness to explore similar initiatives in Japan, indicating a progressive stance towards mainstream crypto investment vehicles.

This announcement coincides with Japan's Financial Services Agency's ongoing efforts to revamp crypto regulation and tax policies by the 2026 fiscal year. Proposed changes include a uniform tax rate on crypto gains and aligning certain digital assets with traditional financial products, aiming to retain crypto activities within the country.

"As finance minister, I fully endorse the exchanges' initiatives towards pioneering fintech and technology-driven trading environments," Katayama affirmed, signaling a governmental shift from cautious oversight to structured integration.