Financial Services Agency Plans to Introduce Consideration Period for Cryptocurrency Transfers Immediately After Account Opening

On the 15th, the Financial Services Agency announced its financial administration policy for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes measures to combat fraud involving cryptocurrencies.

The agency is moving forward with institutional measures to establish a consideration period that prevents users from transferring cryptocurrencies to wallets outside of exchanges immediately after opening a new account. It also stated that it will concurrently work on developing supervisory guidelines in preparation for the enforcement of the amended Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, which was enacted in July.

Consideration Period for Transfers from New Accounts, Following August Request

The financial administration policy announced on the 15th cited examples of cryptocurrencies being used in the transfer of funds related to fraud and stated that it requested enhanced measures from cryptocurrency exchange operators in August 2026. The agency will continue to verify whether measures in line with this request are being implemented.

In this context, it plans to smoothly advance institutional responses, including the establishment of a consideration period that prevents users from transferring cryptocurrencies to unhosted wallets immediately after opening a new account. Unhosted wallets refer to wallets where users manage their own keys without going through an exchange, such as MetaMask, which operates on browsers and smartphones.

Regarding cryptocurrency exchange operators themselves, the agency will work on monitoring and addressing unregistered operators to ensure a safe trading environment. It will encourage self-regulatory organizations to enhance cybersecurity and improve the effectiveness of monitoring unfair trading and reviewing the cryptocurrencies handled.

Preparations for Enforcement of Amended Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and Launch of On-Chain Finance Forum

The amended law, which was enacted on July 15, 2026, introduced regulations against unfair trading related to cryptocurrencies, information disclosure regulations, and a penalty system for violations.

The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission's authority to investigate violations has been expanded to include unregistered operators, and a mechanism has been established whereby courts can issue emergency injunctions against unregistered cryptocurrency exchange operators at the request of the Commission. The policy states that necessary preparations for this law enforcement will be steadily advanced.

In the section on digital finance, it mentions promoting the social implementation of "on-chain finance" based on blockchain technology. It plans to establish an "On-Chain Finance Forum" aimed at the AI era to discuss issues related to technology, systems, and supervision. It will also work with market participants to explore the shortening and enhancement of securities settlement in anticipation of the development of asset tokenization.

Regarding the enhancement of cross-border remittances, it has proposed a framework for public-private policy dialogue with Asia. As part of this, it states that it will hold "Asia Day 2027" in conjunction with Japan Fintech Week, which will take place from February to March 2027.

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