16 Japanese Cryptocurrency Exchanges Plan to Form Self-Regulatory Group Next Week

Major hack in Japan has become a reason of considering a necessity to create a new entity that will regulate the cryptocurrency industry in the country.

Julia Sakovich By Julia Sakovich Updated 2 mins read
16 Japanese Cryptocurrency Exchanges Plan to Form Self-Regulatory Group Next Week
Photo: Ubé / Flickr

It is reported that a group of sixteen Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges are planning to create a self-regulating body following the recent Coincheck hack when $533 million-worth NEM tokens were stolen.

An initial plan to merge two already existing groups – the Japan Cryptocurrency Business Association and Japan Blockchain Association – was declined due to the lack of understanding between these entities and their members. So, the exchanges voted for establishing a new organization to regulate exchanges registered with Japan’s Financial Services Association.

The goal of the new entity is to enforce self-imposed rules aimed at protecting exchange users’ assets, system downtimes, insider trading and even advertising issues. Moreover, the question of penalties for breaches will also be also under consideration. All this should lead to increasing the level of transparency in the cryptocurrency ecosystem as well as to enhance confidence from the side of traditional financial industry and wider audience.

It is extremely needed after a major hack of cryptocurrency exchange Coincheck, now considered to be the biggest cryptocurrency theft ever. Though the exchange confirmed that it will be refunding its 260,000 customers, traders’ confidence was undermined. Namely this attack caused taking up the questions over how Japan should regulate the industry.

The news about creation of a new self-regulating body has become known just after the announcement that the Financial Services Association will conduct on-site inspections at 15 unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges after the above-mentioned high-profile theft. Nevertheless, there is still no information on the fact whether those exchanges under inspection are behind the new self-regulatory body, or whether Coincheck, that is also unlicensed, is a member of the founding group.

According to some sources, the new entity should start its functioning from April 1,  a year to the day after Japan’s revised Payment Services Act was approved. This Act recognizes Bitcoin as a legal  payment method and introduces a requirement for Japanese exchanges to register with the Financial Services Agency in order to obtain a special license to be eligible to operate in the country. Since September 2017, the Agency has granted  certain crypto exchanges with licenses. Other exchanges, whose applications had not been approved, were allowed to continue to work only temporarily.

Previously, the Financial Services Association has ordered all exchanges in Japan to report on their security protocols and resistance to hacking in order to control the level of their safety.

Julia Sakovich
Senior Editor Julia Sakovich

I’m a content writer and editor with extensive experience creating high-quality content across a range of industries. Currently, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief at Coinspeaker, where I lead content strategy, oversee editorial workflows, and ensure that every piece meets the highest standards. In this role, I collaborate closely with writers, researchers, and industry experts to deliver content that not only informs and educates but also sparks meaningful discussion around innovation.

Much of my work focuses on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and software development, where I bring together editorial expertise, subject knowledge, and leadership experience to shape meaningful conversations about technology and its real-world impact. I’m particularly passionate about exploring how emerging technologies intersect with business, society, and everyday life. Whether I’m writing about decentralized finance, AI applications, or the latest in software development, my goal is always to make complex subjects accessible, relevant, and valuable to readers.

My academic background has played an important role in shaping my approach to content. I studied Intercultural Communications, PR, and Translation at Minsk State Linguistic University, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Economics and Management at the Belarusian State Economic University. The combination of linguistic, communication, and business training has given me the ability to translate complex technical and economic concepts into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.

Over the years, my articles have been featured on a variety of platforms. In addition to contributing to company blogs—primarily for software development agencies—my work has appeared in well-regarded outlets such as SwissCognitive, HackerNoon, Tech Company News, and SmallBizClub, among others. 

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