Why FSA registration matters and how to avoid unregulated platforms and scams.
Use only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges (e.g. bitFlyer, bitbank); unregistered offshore platforms remove your protections and are common in scams.
Only exchanges registered with the FSA and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan, and registration brings custody, segregation, and consumer-protection obligations. Using an unregistered offshore exchange removes those protections, can complicate tax and withdrawals, and is often how fraud operates. Always confirm an exchange appears on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds.
Treat any offer of guaranteed or unusually high returns as a scam — legitimate crypto has no guaranteed return. Be wary of fake exchange apps, social-media “investment coaches,” romance-investment approaches, and especially “recovery” services that promise to retrieve lost funds for a fee (a common second scam targeting victims). Withdraw test amounts first, enable strong security, and never send crypto to someone who contacted you.
Registered crypto exchange · bitFlyer
An FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, commonly cited for a long operating history.
Fees: Trading fees and spreads vary by product and order type — verify current schedule.
Registered crypto exchange · bitbank
An FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, often noted for its trading interface.
Fees: Maker/taker fees and spreads vary — verify current schedule.
Only exchanges registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan — examples include bitFlyer, bitbank, and Coincheck. Using an unregistered offshore exchange means you lose Japanese legal and consumer protections and can complicate tax and withdrawals. Always confirm an exchange is on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds.
Domestic retail FX leverage is capped by regulation, commonly at 25x, which limits how large a position your deposit can control. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and sharp moves can trigger margin calls or losses beyond your deposit. FX is high-risk and unsuitable for money you cannot lose. Watch for unregulated offshore brokers offering much higher leverage — they remove your protections and are often used in scams.