Past Events

Outlook for Japan's Economy and Monetary Policy in 2013

Dr. Shuji Kobayakawa, Assistant Director-General, Monetary Affairs Department, Bank of Japan
Dr. Kobayakawa discussed how the Bank of Japan views recent developments of the Japanese economy and what it does in order to overcome deflation.
In particular, the BOJ was one of the first central banks to implement unconventional monetary policy-making, and Dr. Kobayakawa elaborated on policy measures, initiated by the Bank of Japan, that are aimed at raising the economy's growth potential. He also discussed implications of BOJ initiatives for foreign financial institutions based in Japan.

Financial Markets  

2013 Tax Reform and the Tax Environment for Foreign Financial Institutions

Mr. Yutaka Kitamura, Executive Director, BTC Financial Services
Mr. Ichiro Suto, Partner, BTC Financial Services

On Friday, February 15, 2013, Mr. Kitamura and Mr. Suto from Ernst & Young Shinnihon Tax discussed recent developments in the Japanese tax system and their impact on foreign financial institutions. The presentation focused on cross-border tax rules including thin capitalization rules, the Japanese version of the “earnings stripping rule”, etc.

Legal/Regulatory  

Update on AML/KYC Regulations in Japan: Amendments to the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds

Mr. Yoshio Horimoto, Managing Director, Promontory Financial Group
Mr. Masayuki Watanabe, Partner, Miyake & Partners

The National Police Agency (NPA) has undertaken to strengthen AML regulations in Japan to meet the global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In this regard, amendments to the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds were passed by the Diet in 2011. Mr. Horimoto and Mr. Watanabe discussed the regulations, currently being drafted by the authorities, to implement the amended law.

Legal/Regulatory  

2012 IBA Annual General Meeting, Address by FSA Commissioner & Reception

The IBA held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 28 at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, followed by a reception with 200 guests. The main speaker was the Commissioner of the Financial Services Agency, Mr. Ryutaro Hatanaka, who discussed recent trends in financial and capital markets, and regulatory and supervisory challenges.

IBA Annual General Meeting