Japan FSA Backs Hitachi-Led Crypto AML Trial With 13 Firms

Edgen Crypto·Feb 28 2026, 05:20

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Key Takeaways

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has approved a proof-of-concept experiment aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering (AML) protocols in the country's crypto market. The trial, led by technology conglomerate Hitachi, seeks to create a standardized system for sharing data on suspicious activities.

Regulatory Support: Japan's FSA officially announced its support on February 27, 2026, for a collaborative crypto AML experiment.
Industry Collaboration: The trial involves a consortium of 13 companies, including major exchanges GMO Coin and bitbank, alongside blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis.
System Test: The experiment, running from March to May 2026, will test a new system for sharing suspicious wallet address information among market participants.

FSA Approves Three-Month Crypto AML Experiment

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) formally endorsed a proof-of-concept (PoC) experiment on February 27, 2026, to combat money laundering in the digital asset sector. The trial is scheduled to run from March through May 2026. Its primary objective is to test the effectiveness of a new system designed for sharing suspicious wallet address information among cryptocurrency exchanges and stablecoin operators.

This initiative signals a significant step by Japanese regulators to create a more secure and transparent environment for crypto-assets. By fostering a collaborative approach to compliance, the FSA aims to standardize AML procedures, reduce illicit activities, and enhance the overall integrity of the domestic crypto market.

Hitachi Leads 13-Firm Consortium in Security Trial

The experiment was proposed by and will be led by the technology firm Hitachi. The effort brings together a broad coalition of 13 companies from across Japan's digital asset industry. Key participants include major licensed cryptocurrency exchanges such as GMO Coin and bitbank, demonstrating significant buy-in from established market players.

The inclusion of Chainalysis Japan, a leading blockchain analytics firm, underscores the technical depth of the trial. This consortium will work to develop and validate a shared information platform, which, if successful, could provide a blueprint for national AML standards and potentially serve as a model for international regulatory cooperation.