Japan Parliament Passes Bill to Regulate Crypto Like Stocks

Japan's House of Representatives has passed a sweeping bill that will regulate cryptocurrencies under the same framework as stocks and other financial investments, marking a major shift in the country's approach to digital assets.

The bill moves crypto regulation from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, effectively treating cryptocurrencies as mainstream investment assets rather than just a payment method. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) attributed the change to the rapid growth of crypto as an investment vehicle, noting that Japan now has over 14 million open crypto accounts. Low- to middle-income retail investors are driving this growth, with those earning under 7 million yen ($43,600) per year accounting for a significant portion.

For cryptocurrency traders, this regulatory shift could bring greater institutional legitimacy and investor protection, potentially attracting more capital to the market. The move aligns Japan with other major economies that are tightening oversight of digital assets. Live crypto prices and charts on NowPrice show how the market is reacting to this news, with Bitcoin and altcoins often sensitive to regulatory developments in key jurisdictions.

Market participants will watch for the bill's final passage through the upper house and subsequent implementation details. The FSA's move signals that Japan sees crypto as a permanent fixture in the financial landscape, which could influence other Asian regulators to follow suit. Traders should monitor any new compliance requirements that may affect exchange operations and liquidity.