Japanese authorities have formulated the rules of the Bitcoin exchanges

The Financial Services Agency of Japan (FCA) has published a final report, which sets out the proposed rules for cryptocurrency service providers to follow. This writes Bitcoin.com .

The rules relate to such areas as burglary incidents, cryptocurrency listing on exchanges, financial and price disclosures, margin trading and custodial services.

The report is based on last week’s meeting of a working group on the study of cryptocurrencies, and details the requirements “as a precondition for a proper principle of responsibility”.

In particular, the Agency expects cryptographic service providers to follow these rules either on their own or under the guidance of a self-regulatory organization (SRO). Currently, FCA has approved the work of only one SRO – the Japan Association for the Exchange of Virtual Currencies.

The report identifies nine areas that should be considered in connection with the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges and other service providers in this area.

So, the first proposed rule is:

“Where private keys of customers' deposited virtual currency are managed online … service providers [are required] to maintain net assets and funds to recover the same or greater amount. The funds should consist of the same types as the introduced virtual currency. ”

In addition, the exchanges must "develop a structure that gives customers the right to legally enforceable liens, ensuring their claim of deposited virtual currency", and also disclose their financial statements.

The report explains that cryptocurrency providers need to disclose information regarding trade prices in order to ensure proper business conduct. They are also forbidden to advertise, promote or promote speculative trading. In addition, they must follow the rules established by the SRO. The agency noted that registration of non-SRO members who did not establish internal rules, equivalent to the rules of SROs, may be rejected or canceled.

Cryptocurrency service providers are also prohibited from “making transactions in virtual currencies that may interfere with user protection or proper and reliable business transactions.” The last requirement in this category is for service providers to notify the FSA “about every change in the virtual currency line” in advance.

Margin Trading

The first proposed condition in this category states that the registration requirement for “trading on the foreign exchange market (Forex trading)” will be imposed on cryptocurrency service providers offering margin trading.

There will also be restrictions on the leverage of each cryptocurrency "based on [actual] price fluctuations of the virtual currency."

In addition, service providers will have to explain the risks specific to cryptocurrencies, and establish minimum amounts of margin. Finally, cryptocurrency loans will follow the same rules as margin trading, since they have similar functions and risks, the report says.

Additional rules

The FSA report also outlines the rules for crypto-depositary services and “dishonest actions” in spot trading. In particular, “inappropriate behavior, spreading rumors and price manipulation” are prohibited to all individuals and legal entities.

In addition, the report notes:

"Virtual currency exchange service providers should monitor transactions and prohibit transactions aimed at making profits based on non-public information."

Recall the status of "certified business association in the field of financial settlements" Japanese Association of Virtual Currency Exchanges (JVCEA) received in October 2018.

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