Japan's FSA Proposes Treating Crypto as Financial Products, 20% Tax
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is reportedly preparing to treat cryptocurrencies as standard financial products, a shift that would bring tighter disclosure requirements and explicit insider-trading rules for digital-asset markets. Regulators are also proposing to cut the current variable tax burden—historically reaching as high as 55% for some holders—and replace it with a flat 20% rate on crypto gains.
The proposal is being viewed positively by market participants because clearer rules and lower, predictable taxes could encourage retail participation and institutional entry, while reducing tax-driven distortions. That said, reclassification would increase compliance obligations for exchanges and projects. If enacted, the changes could materially reshape Japan’s crypto landscape by balancing investor protection with a more competitive tax and regulatory framework.