Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence in Japan
Mature crypto regulation, large market. FSA / JFSA regulated. Capital from ¥10M+. Typical timeline 6 to 12 months.
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Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
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Why Japan for Your Cryptoasset & Digital Asset Licence?
Japan was one of the first major economies to regulate crypto-assets and offers access to one of the world's largest and most active crypto markets.
Japan's Financial Services Agency (JFSA) regulates crypto-asset exchange service providers under the Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
Minimum capital of ¥10 million. Comprehensive governance, AML, cybersecurity, and customer asset segregation requirements.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
6 to 12 months. The JFSA conducts thorough assessments.
Japan vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | Japan | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | ¥10M+ | No capital floor |
| Timeline | 6 to 12 months | 3 to 12 months |
| Regulator | FSA / JFSA | FCA |
| Key Feature | Mature crypto regulation, large market | AML registration, rigorous assessment |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Japan is ¥10M+. Minimum capital of ¥10 million. Comprehensive governance, AML, cybersecurity, and customer asset segregation requirements.
The typical timeline for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Japan is 6 to 12 months. 6 to 12 months. The JFSA conducts thorough assessments.
Japan was one of the first major economies to regulate crypto-assets and offers access to one of the world's largest and most active crypto markets.
After receiving your cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Japan, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a cryptoasset & digital asset licence. In Japan, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A cryptoasset & digital asset licence in Japan provides access to the domestic market. Mature crypto regulation, large market. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.