Unlocking Fincity Tokyo Why Are Global Fintechs Looking East

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JAPAN’S financial capital is no longer just a traditional stronghold of banking and asset management. It is emerging as a launchpad for fintech innovation.
At the recently-concluded Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2025, FinCity.Tokyo, the financial promotion body for Tokyo, hosted an exclusive insight session highlighting the city’s transformation into a global fintech gateway, supported by regulatory reform, cross-border collaboration and digital asset infrastructure.

Held at the Japan Pavilion, the session convened policymakers, venture capitalists and global fintech leaders to explore how Tokyo is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation finance – from decentralised platforms and digital securities to embedded finance and cross-border payments.
In his keynote speech, FinCity.Tokyo executive director Tokio Morita emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting fintech companies seeking to enter the Japanese market.
“We can assist you with navigating the regulatory landscape, connect you with business partners, capital and experts, and help you scale operations,” he enthused.
FinCity.Tokyo executive director Tokio Morita“Tokyo is evolving into a global centre for financial innovation, with strong public-private collaboration, investor appetite and a progressive regulatory landscape. As one of the first countries to legally recognise crypto assets, Japan has continued to refine its frameworks for digital assets and cross-border start-ups.”
Japan’s fintech market is projected to reach US$30.2 bil (RM125.32 mil) by 2033, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.1% which is a clear signal that the country is positioning itself for long-term innovation leadership.
Tokyo is currently in 11th position in Start-up Genome’s global start-up ecosystem ranking.
Panellist Natalie Shiori Fleming, the general manager (Japan) of Banking Circle SA, a Luxembourg-based financial technology platform that recently expanded to Japan, commented:
“The regulations in Japan are clear and I think the FSA is very innovative. They were among the first to regulate the crypto space.
“While there are some language and cultural barriers to the market, once you enter and hire a local team, it is a market where global players can thrive.”
The insight session is part of FinCity.Tokyo’s wider efforts to position Japan as a trusted hub for innovation in Asia, underpinned by policy clarity, deep capital pools, and a dependable regulatory environment.
As it is, FinCity.Tokyo works with the Japanese government and the Tokyo Metropolitan government as well as over 50 industry associations, major financial institutions, global investors and service providers to raise Tokyo’s profile as a global financial hub with focus on building a world-leading ecosystem for asset management and fintech. –   Focus Malaysia

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