Japan's Landmark Financial Deregulation: What It Means for the United States

Japan's Landmark Financial Deregulation: What It Means for the United States

Order Code RS20335
Updated June 15, 2000
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Japan's Landmark Financial Deregulation:
What It Means for the United States
(name redacted)
Specialist in Industry and Trade
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
Major financial deregulation is underway in Japan that could have far-reaching
implications for U.S.-Japan economic relations. The process has been accelerating since
the so-called “Big Bang” announcement by former Prime Minister Hashimoto in
November 1996 calling for the realignment of Japan’s financial markets to make them
comparable to those of Europe and the United States. The reform process includes
allowing financial institutions to establish holding companies and enter heretofore
prohibited lines of business. It also is expected to open markets to more foreign
participation. Along with the Financial Services Agreement under the World Trade
Organization and bilateral agreements with the United States on liberalizing Japan’s
insurance market, these measures are expected to open the management of approximately
$10 trillion in personal assets in Japanese financial markets to U.S. banks, brokerage
houses, and other financial service companies. The U.S. Treasury has been negotiating
with Japan on financial deregulation under the U.S.-Japan Enhanced Initiative on
Deregulation and Competition Policy. This report will be updated as events warrant.
Background
Japan’s major financial deregulation began in November 1996 with the so-called “Big
Bang” proposed by former Prime Minister Hashimoto. It was aimed at deregulating
Japan’s financial markets to make them comparable to those in Europe and the United
States by the year 2000.1 The theme of the Big Bang has been “free, fair, and global.”
Japan’s financial markets are to become free from excessive government interference, fair
in the sense that access is to be open and prices determined by market forces, and global
in the sense that competition is to be international. The essence of the Big Bang is to
reduce direct government intervention into the operations of financial markets; to eliminate
barriers among banks, trust banks, securities companies, and insurance companies; to
direct regulation more toward providing market information and reducing fraud rather than
toward influencing specific activities of financial institutions, and to subject Japan’s
1 Hashimoto Announces “Big Bang” Economic Plan. Kyodo Newswire. November 11, 1996.
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

CRS-2
financial institutions to more international market pressures. The impetus for deregulation
was given a boost by the Asian financial crisis in 1997-99. The crisis highlighted
weaknesses of Japanese-type financial systems that had been established in other Asian
countries and emphasized the need to move toward a more market-determined financial
system throughout the Asian region.
Financial deregulation in Japan is of interest to the United States because it affects
U.S. financial firms and investors and promises to open the management of more personal
assets on Japanese financial markets to U.S. and other financial services companies. The
deregulation and market opening, if carried out as planned, could make more financial
opportunities available for U.S. firms. Japan has a pool of individual savings and other
financial assets of around $10 trillion — larger than the gross domestic product of the
United States — half of which is now invested in savings accounts that are paying interest
of only 1% or 2% per year. If more of these assets were invested in U.S. stocks and other
assets, both the inflow of capital from Japan and the U.S. trade deficit may rise. This
deregulation combined with depressed equity values in Japan also has lowered the cost for
U.S. companies to acquire or merge with Japanese companies in distress. The Asian
financial crisis in 1997-99 also highlighted the need for more market-based decision
making in Japan and less governance based on inter-company relationships and guidance
from government bureaucrats which was successful during most of Japan’s post-war
period of rapid economic growth but lacked the flexibility and market discipline required
for financial firms to compete in the new global economy.
Japanese financial deregulation parallels deregulation passed by the 106th Congress
on November 4, 1999 (Gramm-Leach-Bliley act, P.L. 106-102) that significantly
modernizes American finance by breaking down barriers among banking, brokerage
services, and insurance sectors.2 It also means that Japan is abandoning the heart of the
financial policy heretofore followed by its Finance Ministry in which its banks and other
financial institutions were considered to be a convoy and the stronger ones had to assist
weaker members in order to keep them all moving forward together.
The U.S. Treasury along with the U.S. Trade Representative are pursuing U.S.
interests in Japan’s Big Bang and other financial deregulation through the U.S.-Japan
Enhanced Initiative on Deregulation and Competition Policy announced by President
Clinton and former Prime Minister Hashimoto in June 1997. The two sides meet
periodically to negotiate and assess progress being made.
The rationale behind Japan’s Big Bang is threefold. First, Tokyo and Osaka are
falling behind other world financial centers. Operational costs are high, and new product
approval has been difficult. Second, many Japanese financial institutions have been in
serious difficulty. Several banks and credit unions have been restructured or forced to
merge, and the banking industry has been grappling with an overhang of nonperforming
loans. The 1997-99 Asian financial crisis also exacerbated Japan’s financial distress and
underlined the extra risks generated when non-market criteria were used to allocate
financial resources
2 See: CRS Issue Brief IB10035, Financial Services Modernization Legislation in the 106th
Congress, by F. Jean Wells.

CRS-3
Table 1 shows the major elements in Japan’s Big Bang and other financial
deregulation. The centerpiece of Japan’s Big Bang was the Financial System Reform Law
which took effect on December 1, 1998. Rather than a new law, it actually was a set of
amendments to existing financial laws. Some of the major changes in Japanese law are to
allow financial institutions to establish holding companies,3 non-regulated foreign exchange
transactions, new financial products (derivatives, investment trusts), unregulated brokerage
commissions, stock trading by bank-owned securities companies, and insurance sales by
both securities companies and banks. The Ministry of Finance has lost considerable
authority. The Bank of Japan was given more independence from the Ministry and much
of the Ministry’s supervisory and inspection authority was transferred to the Financial
Reconstruction Commission and its subsidiary, the Financial Supervisory Agency. Banks
engaged in international operations now must meet the 8% capital-asset requirement of
the Bank for International Settlements or undertake prompt corrective actions. For
Japan’s financial community, the changes have been monumental.
On a bilateral basis, the United States and Japan have long been engaged in market
opening negotiations in the financial services sector. On February 13, 1995, the two
nations concluded a comprehensive financial services agreement that provided for
liberalization of legal and operational constraints that impede access by foreign financial
services providers in the areas of asset management, corporate securities, and cross-border
financial transactions. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, over the first two
years of the agreement, the Japanese government implemented the vast majority of
commitments within the time frames specified. In some areas, Japan had either accelerated
the implementation of certain commitments or expanded their scope. At a follow-up
meeting to the agreement in October 1997, however, the United States emphasized the
need for further improvements in financial disclosure and transparency. These concerns
were addressed in the December 1998 Financial System Reform Law.
Access to the insurance sector in Japan has long been in dispute in U.S.-Japan
relations. Japan is the second largest market for insurance in the world, but foreign firms
account for only 3.9% of the market (as compared to 10% to 33% in other industrialized
nations).4 In 1994, the United States and Japan concluded a bilateral insurance agreement
that committed Japan to enhance regulatory transparency, strengthen antitrust
enforcement, introduce a “notification system” for approval of insurance rates and
products, and undertake specific liberalization measures. The 1994 agreement also
contained a provision related to “mutual entry” of life insurers into non-life insurance
markets and of non-life insurers into life insurance markets.
3 Previously, banks and securities companies were allowed to hold only a 5% stake in nonfinancial
companies, while insurers were allowed a 10% stake.
4 U.S. Trade Representative. 1998 National Trade Estimate. On Internet at [http://www.
ustr.gov/reports/nte/1998/contents.html]. p. 218-221.

CRS-4
Table 1. Major Provisions of Japan’s Financial Deregulation
Date
Measure
1996
Prime Minister Hashimoto announces the Big Bang economic program
1997
Trading of options on individual stocks allowed at stock exchanges
Stricter penalties are imposed on improper acts by financial institutions
Restrictions eased on management of investment trusts, pension funds, etc.
Financial institutions allowed to establish holding companies
1998
Foreign exchange transactions allowed without government authorization
Securities companies free to set commissions on trades over ¥50 million
Bank of Japan given more independence from the Ministry of Finance
Japan’s Financial Supervisory Agency began operations
Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) measures are implemented requiring financial
institutions to disclose bad assets, loan-loss writeoffs, and capital adequacy ratios
Finance Ministry abolished the use of Ministry circulars (tsuutatsu) and
administrative notices (imu-renraku) to exercise its supervisory powers
Member insurance companies allowed to set own premium rates
Securitization of assets via special purpose companies allowed
New corporate-type and privately placed investment trusts allowed
Full liberalization of securities derivatives
Restrictions eliminated on scope of business activities for securities companies
Switch from licensing to registration system for securities companies
Introduction of proprietary trading systems
Improvement of fair trading rules in the Securities and Exchange Law
Banks allowed to sell investment trust certificates
Bank subsidiaries allowed to provide all financial services
Entry of Insurance companies into securities business and securities companies into
insurance business
Securities Investor Protection Funds and Policy Holder Protection Corp. created
Financial Reconstruction Commission begins supervision and inspection of
financial institutions which it delegates to the Financial Supervisory Agency
1999
Strict separation of customer and proprietary accounts of securities companies
Public comment procedure implemented for financial services regulations
Beginning of phase-in of consolidated basis disclosure of non-performing assets
Restrictions to be eliminated on scope of business activities for securities operating
subsidiaries of banks and trust banks and trust bank operating subsidiaries of banks
and securities companies (bank-owned securities companies to trade in stocks)
Full liberalization of brokerage commissions
Entry of insurance companies into the banking business allowed
Banks allowed to issue straight bonds
Tokyo Stock Exchange begins Market of High Growth and Emerging Stocks
Measures passed to insure bank deposits to March 2002
Securities transaction and bourse taxes eliminated
Tax exemption for foreign holders of Japanese government bonds
2000
Establish a NASDAQ Japan stock market in Osaka
Bill to allow an electronic disclosure system for securities transactions reports
Bills to set new rules for collective investment schemes
Banks and securities companies to be allowed to enter the insurance sector (Oct 1)
Note: Additional financial system reform measures are in: Japan. Ministry of Finance. Schedule for
Financial System Reform. April 2000. On Internet at [http://www.mof.go.jp/english/big-bang/
big-bang.htm] and U.S. Trade Representative. Second Joint Status Report Under the U.S.-Japan
Enhanced Initiative on Deregulation and Competition Policy. May 3, 1999. On Internet at
[http://www.ustr.gov].

CRS-5
Under a 1996 Insurance Business Law, life and non-life insurance firms (first and
second sectors) are allowed to do business in Japan in their counterpart sectors if done
through subsidiaries. Japan also agreed to avoid “radical change” in the third sector (e.g.,
policies covering cancer, hospitalization, nursing care, and personal accidents) until
foreign, small, and mid-sized insurers have had a reasonable period to compete in
significantly deregulated primary life and non-life sectors. In December 1996, the United
States and Japan agreed to supplementary measures which defined the extent and timing
of primary sector insurance deregulation by the Ministry of Finance. These measures also
defined the scope of business activities of Japanese insurance subsidiaries in the third
sector — consistent with Japan’s commitment to avoid radical change. Beginning in July
1998, a two-and-one-half year clock began in which Japan is to open this third sector of
Japan’s insurance market.
In April 1999, during bilateral consultations, the United States raised several concerns
about Japan’s administration of its insurance sector. These included a lack of transparency
with respect to government actions potential “radical change” occurring in the third sector.
The U.S. side recognized, however, that the deregulatory steps taken have yielded
important results with more foreign firms in the market and an increase in rate and product
competition.5
The continuing banking crisis in Japan also has induced the Japanese government to
take action to resolve the problem of non-performing loans of banks. Under the Prompt
Correction Action (April 1, 1998) financial institutions are categorized by reference to
their capital-asset ratios and must take certain corrective action when necessary. Under
the Early Stabilization of Functions of the Financial System Law (October 23, 1998),
financial institutions can request government capital injections by having the government’s
Deposit Insurance Corporation subscribe to their preferred or ordinary shares. Under the
Financial Revitalization Law (October 23, 1998), the government instituted procedures
to deal with failed financial institutions and to purchase their assets. The government is
financing these activities through loan guarantees for the Deposit Insurance Corporation.
It also plans to increase the amount of funds appropriated for protection of bank deposits
from 17 to 23 trillion yen (about $209 billion) and extended the special measures to full
protect deposits until the end of March 2002.6
Effects and Responses
The Big Bang and other financial deregulation in Japan are providing opportunities
for foreign firms to expand into the Japanese financial services market, acquire existing
Japanese companies, and obtain faster approval for new products. On a macroeconomic
level, the deregulation is likely to encourage net outflows of Japanese capital as Japanese
investors, pension fund managers, and other capital account managers diversify more of
their holdings into foreign assets and as foreign firms take over more of the management
of financial assets in Japan. Such net outflows of capital are likely to weaken the yen and
increase Japan’s current account surplus (trade in goods and services plus unilateral
5 U.S. Trade Representative. 2000 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.
p. 219-222. On Internet at [http://www.ustr.gov/reports/nte/2000/contents.html].
6 Japan. Ministry of Finance. Japanese Big Bang. January 2000. On Internet at [http://
www.mof.go.jp].

CRS-6
transfers), including that with the United States. Over the longer term, Japan’s financial
deregulation is likely to strengthen its financial sector and stimulate economic growth
which might induce more imports into Japan and reduce its trade surplus.
At the microeconomic level, the Big Bang and other financial deregulation are
producing numerous responses by Japanese and international financial service providers
to prepare for future competition or to move into heretofore prohibited lines of business.
Among Japanese financial institutions, the combination of the overhang of non-performing
loans, financial deregulation, and stricter performance standards is causing major bank
restructuring.
The major Japanese banks have responded by merging into four large groups.
Mizuho Financial Group includes Dai-Ichi Kangyo and Fuji banks as well as the Industrial
Bank of Japan to form the world’s largest financial holding company (with assets of $1.3
trillion). Sumitomo and Sakura banks are forming another group (assets of $900 billion)
as are the Bank of Tokyo and Mitsubishi Bank (assets of $635 billion) who in 2001 plan
to add three trust companies to their group. The fourth large group is being formed by a
merger of the Tokai, Asahi, and Sanwa banks (assets of $970 billion). These mergers are
reportedly aimed at competing with global banking giants and indicate that Japan’s
financial industry is following a wave of financial institution consolidation occurring in the
United States and Europe.7 Japanese financial authorities seem to be aiming for a new
banking structure with three levels of banking institutions: mega-banks (or money center
banks), super-regional banks, and niche-playing boutique banks.
Foreign firms are taking advantage of the liberalized financial market to establish or
increase their presence in Japan. For example, in asset management, T. Rowe Price,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Putman Investments, Prudential Insurance, J.P. Morgan & Co.,
Alliance Capital, Brown Brothers, Smith Barney, GE Life Insurance, Bankers Trust,
American Express, and other U.S.-based companies are actively pursuing the huge
amounts of Japanese savings now just sitting in bank savings accounts. Merrill Lynch has
taken over most of the operations of Yamaichi Securities Co., and the Traveler's Group
has purchased a large stake in Nikko Securities. The Fidelity Group became the first
discount broker in Japan, and DLJdirect, Inc. is in a joint venture to establish an Internet
brokerage service. GE Capital has become one of the largest players in leasing and it,
along with companies such as the Associates Corporation, are active in consumer finance.
Citicorp is helping firms process foreign exchange paperwork, and dozens of U.S.
companies have been looking to Japan for deals in their depressed property market.8
Ripplewood Holdings has bought the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan and relaunched it
as the Shinsei Bank. Financial deregulation in Japan, while aimed at solving certain
domestic problems, is having the effect of opening the financial market to more
participation by U.S. and other foreign companies.
7 Spindle, Bill and Peter Landers. Japan’s Bank Megamerger Puts Entire Sector in Play — DKB,
Fuji Bank, Industrial Bank Spell Out Plan. Wall Street Journal, August 23, 1999. P. A10.
8 Sapsford, Jathon. U.S. Financial Firms Delve Deeper Into Japan. Wall Street Journal, January
26, 1999. P. A13.

EveryCRSReport.com
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a federal legislative branch agency, housed inside the
Library of Congress, charged with providing the United States Congress non-partisan advice on
issues that may come before Congress.
EveryCRSReport.com republishes CRS reports that are available to al Congressional staff. The
reports are not classified, and Members of Congress routinely make individual reports available to
the public.
Prior to our republication, we redacted names, phone numbers and email addresses of analysts
who produced the reports. We also added this page to the report. We have not intentional y made
any other changes to any report published on EveryCRSReport.com.
CRS reports, as a work of the United States government, are not subject to copyright protection in
the United States. Any CRS report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without
permission from CRS. However, as a CRS report may include copyrighted images or material from a
third party, you may need to obtain permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or
otherwise use copyrighted material.
Information in a CRS report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public
understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to members of Congress in
connection with CRS' institutional role.
EveryCRSReport.com is not a government website and is not affiliated with CRS. We do not claim
copyright on any CRS report we have republished.