Financial Services Agency to Upgrade Cryptocurrency Division to a Bureau

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has solidified plans to elevate its cryptocurrency division to a bureau by July 2026, as reported by Nikkei on the 25th. In line with the Cabinet decision on the FY2026 budget proposal scheduled for the 26th, the Cabinet Personnel Bureau plans to determine the structure and staffing of each ministry and agency. In August this year, the FSA announced its need to enhance its capacity to respond to financial services transformations using new digital technologies such as fintech, cryptocurrency transactions, and generative AI, and had proposed organizational restructuring and expansion. Specifically, the division currently known as the 'Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and Innovation Advisory Office' will be upgraded to a bureau.