Capital.com Eyes Japan Brokerage Licence

Capital.com has begun steps to enter Japans retail brokerage market, confirming it is pursuing a local licence and recruiting a Head of Compliance to manage engagement with regulators and guide its application, according to statements shared with industry media. The broker said it is building a local team, while product specifics for Japan remain unconfirmed as it prioritizes compliance and client safeguards.

Licence pursuit and hiring

The company confirmed it is “exploring new licences in several markets, including Japan,” and is in the early stages of assembling a domestic team to support the initiative. A posted Head of Compliance role includes liaising with group leadership and local authorities for licence applications, with requirements emphasizing prior licensed capacity and familiarity with Japanese regulation.

Product scope and crypto note

While Capital.com has not detailed which services it will launch locally, it said any rollout will meet high standards of transparency, compliance, and support; related reporting indicates the broker is evaluating the potential for physical cryptocurrency offerings as part of its broader expansion. The firm, founded in 2017 by Viktor Prokopenya, operates CFDs under authorizations in the UK, Australia, Cyprus, the UAE, and the Bahamas, indicating an established cross‑jurisdiction compliance framework.

Competitive and regulatory context

Japan‘s retail FX landscape is dominated by domestic leaders such as DMM, GMO Click, Gaitame, and Hirose, with IG’s Japan unit standing as the notable international CFD presence; IG recently ended a discounted “introductory” program for new accounts after product size changes altered trading conditions. Brokers seeking entry must register under the Japan Financial Services Agency framework and comply with the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, including capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and strong internal controls.

Recent development (Aug 2025): IG Securities Japan will terminate its two‑week, 50% minimum trading “Introductory Program” on Aug. 17, citing improved trading conditions following May product size adjustments, underscoring the dynamic nature of Japans CFD market terms.