Regulatory Framework for Sustainability-linked Derivatives: Japan Analysis

Interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues has grown globally, as countries, companies and investors have focused more on this area. The same trend has occurred in Japan.

Sustainability-linked derivatives (SLDs) are not yet a major product in the Japanese market, but they have emerged as one of the tools available to help firms meet their ESG objectives. As SLDs gain increasing attention around the world, and as some SLDs emerge in Japan, it is necessary for users to understand how these instruments fit into existing regulatory regimes.

This whitepaper analyzes two categories of SLDs in the context of the derivatives regulatory framework in Japan. Specifically, it considers:

  • Whether SLDs would be classified as ‘over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives transactions’ or ‘OTC commodity derivatives transactions’, and how they are regulated; and
  • Compliance issues for market participants to consider when executing SLDs.

Documents (1) for Regulatory Framework for Sustainability-linked Derivatives: Japan Analysis

Key IRD Trends from BIS 2025 Survey

This paper highlights changes in over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives (IRD) markets between April 2022 and April 2025, based on data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Triennial Central Bank Survey. The survey provides a comprehensive view of global...

RMB IRD Growth in Mainland China & Hong Kong

This report analyzes interest rate derivatives (IRD) activity in mainland China and Hong Kong, with a particular focus on renminbi (RMB)-denominated IRD. It examines market growth, structure and integration across onshore and offshore centers, and places these developments within the...