[2018-03-23] Yahoo Japan to Launch Cryptocurrency Exchange in 2018, Says Report

[Terraformer]

Yahoo Japan is planning to launch its own cryptocurrency exchange, a report indicates.

According to Nikkei Asian Review, the Japanese internet firm will take a 40 percent stake in BitARG Exchange Tokyo next month, with a plan to build a new exchange using BitARG technology in approximately a year's time.

BitARG is already licensed by Japanese financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), the report says, and is expected to receive further investments from Yahoo Japan early in 2019.

Yahoo Japan will purchase the shares in BitARG through its subsidiary YJFX, a forex transaction platform. The 40 percent stake will cost the firm around 2 billion yen ($19 million), says Nikkei.

After the purchase, a team from YJFX are expected to kick off development of the new exchange, as well as designing systems for corporate governance, customer management and security.

The news comes as the importance of registration with the FSA to conduct exchange operations in Japan is highlighted by issues facing the major Binance exchange.

As reported this morning, the Hong-Kong-based exchange has just received a warning from the financial watchdog over its lack of registration in the country.

Zhao Changpeng, Binance's CEO, has confirmed receipt of the warning letter and said the firm is in dialogue with the agency.

Since the $533 million hack of Japanese exchange Coincheck in January, the FSA has been mandating security overhauls and cracking down on domestic crypto trading platforms that are yet to be registered.

Early this month, the agency issued month-long suspensions for two exchanges in the country.

https://www.coindesk.com/yahoo-japan-launch-cryptocurrency-exchange-2018-says-report/

[jjacob]

While competition amongst exchanges is good, there seem to be a lot of companies who have no connection to cryptocurrencies or to trading trying to set up crypto exchanges. Running an exchange is definitely not child’s play. Some companies might be doing it because it boosts their valuations, but I don’t think that is the case with Yahoo Japan. There definitely will be some consolidation in this space in a year’s time.

[Qartersa]

Well I guess it is safe to say that the Japanese government is slowly making moves to earn out of the cryptocurrencies bandwagon, and at the same time have it thoroughly regulated. It seems to me they are trying to hit two birds with one stone. Not bad. While I do not want to think that what happened in January was staged, I would like to fully believe there are better days with Bitcoin. Otherwise, it would appear as if the government would just want to have their own cryptocurrency that is very well regulated and slowly dump Bitcoin, leaving all investors and stakeholders on a hang.

[Betwrong]

Interesting. Before reading this article I wasn't aware of the fact that there's Yahoo! Japan Corporation which is actually independent from the Yahoo! we know and shares only its name and some design. It has emerged that Yahoo! Japan is the most popular website in Japan apart from google.co.jp which is used only like search engine. It's good they are going to launch their own cryptocurrency exchange, because it means they think there is a future for cryptos.

[warrior333]

Interesting. Before reading this article I wasn't aware of the fact that there's Yahoo! Japan Corporation which is actually independent from the Yahoo! we know and shares only its name and some design. It has emerged that Yahoo! Japan is the most popular website in Japan apart from google.co.jp which is used only like search engine. It's good they are going to launch their own cryptocurrency exchange, because it means they think there is a future for cryptos.

Surprising that you didn't know about the existence of Yahoo. It's good news, but it's only relevant to Japan. The problem is that most Japanese exchanges do not provide an opportunity to register residents of other countries. Also they have problems with the translation of Fiat. Most often they use Bank transfers that are very expensive and suitable for moving large sums.

[MoonJeina]

This is good that they are planning to get their hands and resources on an exchange that will be regulated  by their country . This will only lead to inspire other countries to do the s same exact thing and make cryptos popular among their countries . But hearing such news after the alleged binance ban in Japan seems too odd to me . One way they reportedly plan to ban one of the best exchanges and on the other side they are planning their own exchange.

[senne]

Japan has always shown great support to cryptocurrency and such news makes our faith more in their system. No doubt why Japan is supported as best country for crypto users, where every other country think to ban Japan has opened their doors for future possibilities. Coming up with a new exchange and supported by the government is a good news as it will provide new competition to others and better facilities to its users.

[Alex077]

Great news that gonna increase bitcoin’s and all crypto’s price.
This is one of the biggest Japanese internet company and they are establishing a new one crypto exchange, that is definitely would be a role model for every exchange! No doubt, Japan is integrating crypto really fast, so that’s why they gonna lead this sphere.

[1Referee]

People shouldn't be surprised about this. Japan's regulatory system allows businesses to become active and productive in the crypto field, which isn't exactly possible in other countries due to how stupid and slow they are. If all countries for once stop being so freaking stubborn and pathetic, not only crypto will thrive, but also their regular economy. Bitcoin alone at some point will have a multi trillion dollar market cap, and that's without the rest of the crypto market. Japan has already a pretty solid first mover advantage, and if other countries don't follow soon, they'll be left behind even further.

[Slow death]

It is very good to read news like these, and sincerely hope they provide a high quality service and show all exchange how it should work, Most exchange has lack of respect and has poor quality of services and many customers lose money all days because there is no person to answer your support tickets... this situation is very bad.
We constantly hear people saying, 'Never leave bitcoin or altcoins in the exchange', it only shows that all people do not trust exchange, but this situation should change in the future and governments should inspect and demand that exchange provide better services

[BitHodler]

I don't know if it's a good development having non crypto parties get involved in the crypto world, but this at least shows that Japan is not just a country embracing crypto, but it's almost the center of the demand.

This is the type of freedom all involved parties need to have, and that directly contributes to growth. Japan is quite smart, because this will help them tremendously increase their tax income.

Japan has already a pretty solid first mover advantage, and if other countries don't follow soon, they'll be left behind even further.

First mover advantage is crucial. It also shows when we look at how CBOE, a much smaller platform, greatly outperforms the much larger CME that came in as second. The first eats the best fruits, the second eats leftovers.

Good thing however is that at current stage in crypto, especially on country level, it's almost impossible to be too late to join the party due to the local crypto economies. We need to have patience. More countries will join.

[ASHLIUSZ]

Japan having a legal support for all sort of virtual currency usage easily helps in implementation of digital currency related business. Now one of the top player yahoo entering into cryptocurrency with the development of an exchange doesn't seems big. But, the contribution made by these top players will help in the overall growth of cryptocurrency.

[squatter]

The Nikkei Review is usually quite accurate. But interestingly, bitARG specifically refuted this report. The exchange apparently has not agreed to any deal yet.

While competition amongst exchanges is good, there seem to be a lot of companies who have no connection to cryptocurrencies or to trading trying to set up crypto exchanges.

I wouldn't say that. We're talking about large conglomerates and holding companies. Yahoo Japan already owns a forex transaction platform -- that's where the investment is coming from. They want a piece of the cryptocurrency market now that it's being legitimized and want to leverage the already existing FSA license. Makes sense to me.

[Heat and rum]

I understand a desire to run your own crypto exchainger. But, as we know, you need to be tough to run it successfuly

[La Maree Noire]

Interesting. Before reading this article I wasn't aware of the fact that there's Yahoo! Japan Corporation which is actually independent from the Yahoo! we know and shares only its name and some design. It has emerged that Yahoo! Japan is the most popular website in Japan apart from google.co.jp which is used only like search engine. It's good they are going to launch their own cryptocurrency exchange, because it means they think there is a future for cryptos.

neither did I, what a surprise. I thought that it's just a geaographical unit, no more

[cynical]

Interesting. Before reading this article I wasn't aware of the fact that there's Yahoo! Japan Corporation which is actually independent from the Yahoo! we know and shares only its name and some design. It has emerged that Yahoo! Japan is the most popular website in Japan apart from google.co.jp which is used only like search engine. It's good they are going to launch their own cryptocurrency exchange, because it means they think there is a future for cryptos.

Surprising that you didn't know about the existence of Yahoo. It's good news, but it's only relevant to Japan. The problem is that most Japanese exchanges do not provide an opportunity to register residents of other countries. Also they have problems with the translation of Fiat. Most often they use Bank transfers that are very expensive and suitable for moving large sums.

Read what you are quoting!
I wasnt aware that Yahoo! Japan Corporation was seperate to Yahoo.
Anyway personally I think this is great news in general because ATM we need positivity.
It shiws they see a big potential for their investment, something we all will benefit from.

[TrumpD]

While competition amongst exchanges is good, there seem to be a lot of companies who have no connection to cryptocurrencies or to trading trying to set up crypto exchanges. Running an exchange is definitely not child’s play. Some companies might be doing it because it boosts their valuations, but I don’t think that is the case with Yahoo Japan. There definitely will be some consolidation in this space in a year’s time.

I totally agree with you here, competition is always healthy. However, I feel like these Big corporations are trying their hardest to get into the crypto space, but from a safe distance, because of the uncertainty surrounding the industry. For example alibaba and google talking about their own blockhain platform, but not actually wanting to directly support the existing ones.  With this Yahoo Japan project, honestly they wouldn't have much to lose as they are just "middlemen" which are same for almost all other exchanges. I would be nice for once for these corporations to admit the future and importance of the current existing blockchain tech and crytpocurrencies, and support it, to bring back the market to a confident state. All i see here is big corps, continuing the capitalist wheel, to get their own slice of the cake.

[Betwrong]

Interesting. Before reading this article I wasn't aware of the fact that there's Yahoo! Japan Corporation which is actually independent from the Yahoo! we know and shares only its name and some design. It has emerged that Yahoo! Japan is the most popular website in Japan apart from google.co.jp which is used only like search engine. It's good they are going to launch their own cryptocurrency exchange, because it means they think there is a future for cryptos.

Surprising that you didn't know about the existence of Yahoo. It's good news, but it's only relevant to Japan. The problem is that most Japanese exchanges do not provide an opportunity to register residents of other countries. Also they have problems with the translation of Fiat. Most often they use Bank transfers that are very expensive and suitable for moving large sums.

Read what you are quoting!
I wasnt aware that Yahoo! Japan Corporation was seperate to Yahoo.
Anyway personally I think this is great news in general because ATM we need positivity.
It shiws they see a big potential for their investment, something we all will benefit from.

Thank you, cynical! You've saved me from fighting the warrior. Of course I'm aware of the existence of Yahoo. Who isn't? But the fact that after the Verizon's acquisition of Yahoo! Inc's Internet business Yahoo! Japan Corporation became independent is interesting imo and a bit surprising.

And yes we need positive news like this because they do affect the price and lead to wider adoption of cryptocurrencies.

[Jating]

Really no surprises as all if we see Japan + crypto. in one sentence. Just proves that they are really carrying the torch as far as moving the crypto market.

I'm sure that Yahoo Japan see's big opportunities to take a slice on the large pie, so it really make sense to join the bandwagon and get a good head start. I think this could bring a positive impact to the market to a certain level.

I can't say anymore, let's see how it pans out and as welcoming news always coming from Japan.

[entrepmind23]

No wonder Japan is one of the progressive countries because they can see an opportunity ahead while other countries are still contemplating if they are going to ban cryptocurrency or not. They have the first mover advantage and ever since they welcome crypto with open arms, it seems things are going where it should be and the progress continues. They will be seen as the model country and eventually other countries would follow suit. South Korea is following Japan and I hope they would be as open as them as well. As for the exchange, the more the merrier. The more choices for the traders and it would be good to add another reputable exchange.