Article 3(1)The term "prepaid payment instruments" as used in this Chapter means any of the following instruments:

(2)The term "unused balance on the base date" as used in this Chapter means the amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order as the total of the unused balances arising from all the prepaid payment instruments issued by an issuer thereof by March 31 and September 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "base date" in this Chapter) each year and outstanding as of the relevant base date (meaning the amount specified in each of the following items according to the categories of prepaid payment instruments set forth therein):

(3)The term "amount available for payment, etc." as used in this Chapter means the amount that is available for the payment of consideration at the time of issuance of the prepaid payment instruments specified in paragraph (1), item (i) or the quantity of goods, etc. or services that can be claimed at the time of issuance of the prepaid payment instruments specified in paragraph (1), item (ii).

(4)The term "prepaid payment instruments for their own business" as used in this Chapter means prepaid payment instruments that can be used for the purpose of paying consideration for the purchase or leasing of goods, etc. or the receipt of provision of services only from the issuer of prepaid payment instruments (including persons who have a close relationship specified by Cabinet Office Order with the issuer (hereinafter referred to as "closely related persons" in item (v) of the following Article and Article 32); the same applies in this paragraph) or those prepaid payment instruments that can be used for the purpose of claiming the delivery or provision of those goods, etc. or services only from the issuer of prepaid payment instruments.

(5)The term "prepaid payment instruments for third-party business" as used in this Chapter means prepaid payment instruments other than prepaid payment instruments for their own business.

(6)The term an "issuer of prepaid payment instruments for its own business" as used in this Chapter means a person who has submitted the written notice specified in Article 5, paragraph (1) (excluding those who have submitted a written notice of discontinuation of the entire issuance business pursuant to the provisions of Article 33, paragraph (1) and have completed the refund specified in Article 20, paragraph (1)).

(7)The term an "issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business" as used in this Chapter means a corporation that has been registered referred to in Article 7.

(8)The term "high-value electronically transferable prepaid payment instruments" as used in this Chapter means the following:

(9)The term "prepaid payment instruments record account" as used in this Chapter means an account in which an issuer of prepaid payment instruments records the details of each prepaid payment instrument issued thereby (limited to those which satisfy the requirement that the maximum amount of unused balance recorded in the account is in excess of the amount specified by Cabinet Office Order as a high value and any other requirements specified by Cabinet Office Order).

(10)The term "record period" as used in this Chapter means a period from the day following the base date to the next base date.

Article 4The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to the following prepaid payment instruments:

Article 5(1)A corporation (including an association or foundation without juridical personality for which the representative person or administrator has been designated) or an individual who issues prepaid payment instruments which are all prepaid payment instruments for their own business must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written notice containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister when the unused balance on the base date of its prepaid payment instruments for their own business as of the base date has exceeded the standard amount (meaning the standard amount specified in Article 14, paragraph (1)) for the first time since the corporation commenced to issue prepaid payment instruments for their own business. The same applies to cases in which the corporation restarted to issue prepaid payment instruments for their own business after discontinuing the whole of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for their own business:

(2)Documents concerning finance and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written notice referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)When any of the particulars set forth in the items of paragraph (1) (excluding item (v)) are changed, the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for its own business must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

Article 6The Prime Minister must create a register of issuers of prepaid payment instruments for its own business and make it available for public inspection.

Article 7No person may engage in the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business unless the person is a corporation who has been registered by the Prime Minister.

Article 8(1)A person who intends to obtain registration referred to in the preceding Article must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written application for registration containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister:

(2)A document in which the applicant pledges that the applicant does not fall under any of the items of Article 10, paragraph (1), documents concerning finance, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the application for registration referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 9(1)The Prime Minister must, when an application for registration referred to in Article 7 is filed, register the following particulars to the register of issuers of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business, except when the Minister refuses the registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article:

(2)If the Prime Minister registers the particulars under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect without delay.

(3)The Prime Minister must make the register of issuers of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business available for public inspection.

Article 10(1)The Prime Minister must refuse registration when an applicant falls under any of the following items, or a written application for registration or its accompanying documents contain a false statement about important particulars, or lack a statement about important particulars:

(2)If the Prime Minister refuses the registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect by indicating the reason therefor without delay.

Article 11(1)If any of the particulars set forth in the items of Article 8, paragraph (1) are changed, the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

(2)If the Prime Minister accepts a notification referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Minister must register the informed particulars in the register of issuers of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business.

Article 11-2(1)When an issuer of prepaid payment instruments intends to issue high-value electronically transferable prepaid payment instruments, in advance, the issuer must notify the Prime Minister of a business implementation plan stating the following particulars, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order:

(2)When an issuer of prepaid payment instruments intends to make a change to the business implementation plan notified pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, in advance the issuer must notify the Prime Minister of the change pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 12An issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business must not have another person conduct the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business in the name of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business.

Article 13(1)When issuing prepaid payment instruments, an issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, provide users with information on the following particulars:

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if the certified association for payment service providers of which the issuer of prepaid payment instruments is a member makes public to the users of prepaid payment instruments the particulars listed in item (iv) of the preceding paragraph pertaining to the issuer of prepaid payment instruments or in other cases specified by Cabinet Office Order, the issuer of prepaid payment instruments is not required to provide information as prescribed in that paragraph with regard to those particulars.

(3)Beyond what is provided for in paragraph (1), an issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, take necessary measures for protecting the users of prepaid payment instruments and ensuring sound and appropriate management of business of issuing prepaid payment instruments.

Article 14(1)If the unused balance on the base date exceeds the amount specified by Cabinet Order (hereinafter referred to as the "standard amount" in this Chapter), an issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, make security deposits for issuance to the official depository nearest to its principal business office or office in an amount equivalent to not less than half the amount of the unused balance on the base date (hereinafter referred to as the "amount required for deposit" in this Chapter).

(2)If, due to completion of the procedure for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in Article 31, paragraph (1) or the occurrence of other facts, the amount of security deposits for issuance (including the total amount of the secured amount prescribed in the following Article and the amount of trust property prescribed in Article 16, paragraph (1); the same applies in Article 18, item (ii) and Article 23, paragraph (1), item (iii)) is less than the amount required for deposit as of the base date immediately preceding the day on which those issues occurred (or the amount calculated as if the Prepaid Payment Instruments pertaining to those procedures did not exist in accordance with the method specified by Cabinet Office Order as of the base date immediately preceding the day on which the refund procedure prescribed in Article 20, paragraph (1) or the procedure for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in Article 31, paragraph (1) was completed), an issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, deposit the shortage and notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

(3)Security deposits for issuance may be paid in national government bond certificates, local government bond certificates or other bond certificates specified by Cabinet Office Order (including book-entry transfer bonds specified in Article 278, paragraph (1) of the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds and Shares (Act No. 75 of 2001); the same applies in Article 16, paragraph (3)). In this case, the appraised value of those bond certificates is determined pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 15If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments has concluded a guarantee contract for security deposits for issuance (meaning a contract in which a deposit-taking institution satisfying the requirements specified by Cabinet Order or any other person specified by Cabinet Order promises that security deposits for issuance will be made on behalf of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments in response to an order by the Prime Minister; the same applies in this Chapter) and has notified the Minister to that effect, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, it may choose not to deposit all or part of the security deposits for issuance with regard to the secured amount (meaning the amount of money to be deposited under the guarantee contract for security deposits for issuance; the same applies in Article 17) limited to the period during which the contract remains in force.

Article 16(1)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments concludes a trust agreement of security deposits for issuance with a trust company, etc. (meaning a trust agreement whose purpose is to apply the trust property to assign security deposits for issuance in response to an order by the Prime Minister and the provisions which prescribe that the trust company, etc. is to carry out necessary acts including the management of the trust property for the achievement of the purpose; the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter) and notifies the Minister to that effect, it may choose not to deposit all or part of the security deposits for issuance with regard to the amount of the trust property, for the period during which the trust property is entrusted based on the trust agreement for security deposits for issuance.

(2)A trust agreement for security deposits for issuance must prescribe the following particulars:

(3)The types of trust properties to be entrusted pursuant to a trust agreement for security deposits for issuance are limited to money, bank deposits and savings (limited to those specified by Cabinet Office Order), or national government bond certificates, local government bond certificates or other bond certificates specified by Cabinet Office Order. In this case, the appraised value of those bond certificates is determined pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 17If the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the protection of the interests of users of prepaid payment instruments, the Minister may order an issuer of prepaid payment instruments who has concluded a guarantee contract for security deposits for issuance or a trust agreement for security deposits for issuance or the counterparty thereto to deposit all or part of the secured amount or the amount of proceeds from the trust property that have been realized.

Article 18All or part of the security deposits for issuance may be recovered, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, if the user falls under any of the following items:

Article 19Beyond what is provided for in this Section, a change of the official depository for security deposits for issuance due to a change in the location of the principal business office or office of an issuer of prepaid payment instruments and other particulars necessary for the making of security deposits for issuance is prescribed by Cabinet Office Order and Ministry of Justice Order.

Article 20(1)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments falls under any of the following items, the issuer must refund the outstanding balance of those prepaid payment instruments specified by Cabinet Office Order to the holder's account:

(2)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments intends to refund the amount pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the issuer must give public notice of the following particulars and provide the information concerning those particulars to the holders of the prepaid payment instruments subject to the refund, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order:

(3)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (iii)) and Article 940, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act (Act No. 86 of 2005) apply mutatis mutandis to cases where an issuer of prepaid payment instruments (limited to companies) gives public notice under the preceding paragraph by way of electronic public notice (meaning electronic public notice specified in Article 2, item (xxxiv) of that Act; the same applies in the following paragraph). In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(4)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (iii)) and Article 940, paragraph (3), Article 941, Article 946, Article 947, Article 951, paragraph (2), Article 953, and Article 955 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where an issuer of prepaid payment instruments (limited to foreign companies) gives public notice under paragraph (2) by way of electronic public notice. In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(5)An issuer of prepaid payment instruments must not refund any amount with regard to the prepaid payment instruments that it issues to the holders thereof except in cases set forth in the items of paragraph (1); provided, however, that this does not apply to cases where the amount to be refunded is small or other cases where the sound management of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments is not hindered, as specified by Cabinet Office Order.

Article 21An issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, take measures necessary for preventing leakage, loss, or damage to information pertaining to the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments and other measures for ensuring security management of the relevant information.

Article 21-2If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments entrusts (including those under multi-tier entrustment arrangements) part of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments to a third party, the issuer of prepaid payment instruments must provide guidance to the third party to whom the relevant business has been entrusted and take other measures necessary for ensuring the proper and steady operation of the business pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 21-3An issuer of prepaid payment instruments must take measures necessary to appropriately and promptly process complaints from the users about the issuance and use of prepaid payment instruments in an appropriate and prompt manner.

Article 22An issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare and maintain the books of accounts and documents on its business of issuing prepaid payment instruments.

Article 23(1)An issuer of prepaid payment instruments must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare a written report on the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments containing the following particulars as of the each base date, and submit it to the Prime Minister:

(2)Documents concerning finance and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written report referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)In the case of issuers of prepaid payment instruments for its own business, the provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply to Base Dates falling within a period from the day immediately following the Base Date on which the Unused Base Date Balance decreased to the standard amount to the day immediately preceding the subsequent Base Date on which the Unused Base Date Balance again exceeded the Standard Amount.

Article 24(1)If the Prime Minister finds it necessary for ensuring sound and appropriate management of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments of an issuer of prepaid payment instruments, the Minister may order the issuer of prepaid payment instruments to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for its business or property, or have officials enter the business office, office or other facility of that issuer of prepaid payment instruments, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds it particularly necessary for ensuring sound and appropriate management of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments of an issuer of prepaid payment instruments, the Minister may order a person to whom business has been entrusted by the issuer of prepaid payment instruments (including persons to whom the business has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including those under multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 32) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments, or have officials enter the facility of a person to whom business has been entrusted by the issuer of prepaid payment instruments, ask questions about the status of the business or property of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments or inspect its books and documents or other items, to the extent necessary for the Minister.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by an issuer of prepaid payment instruments referred to in the preceding paragraph may, if there are reasonable grounds, refuse to submit reports or materials, or to respond to the inquiry or the inspection under the provisions of that paragraph.

Article 25If the Prime Minister finds it necessary for ensuring the sound and appropriate management of the business of issuing repaid payment instruments of an issuer of prepaid payment instruments, the Minister may order that an issuer of prepaid payment instruments to take measures necessary to improve the operation of its business or its financial status or other measures necessary for the supervision, to the extent necessary for the Minister.

Article 26If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for its own business falls under any of the following items, the Prime Minister may order the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for their own business to suspend all or part of its business of issuing prepaid payment instruments, by setting a period for suspension not exceeding six months:

Article 27(1)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business falls under any of the following items, the Prime Minister may revoke its registration referred to in Article 7 or order the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business to suspend all or part of its business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business, by setting a period for suspension not exceeding six months:

(2)If the Prime Minister is unable to ascertain the locations of business offices or offices of an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business or the whereabouts of the officer representing the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party, the Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, may issue a public notice of that fact and revoke the registration of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business under Article 7 if no application is made by the issuance after thirty days have passed since the day of the public notice.

(3)The provisions of Chapter III of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993) do not apply to a disposition referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 28If the Prime Minister has revoked the registration referred to in Article 7 pursuant to provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article or when the registration referred to in Article 7 has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 33, paragraph (2), the Minister must delete that registration.

Article 29If the Prime Minister implements a disposition pursuant to the provisions of Article 26, or Article 27, paragraph (1) or (2), the Minister must give public notice to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 29-2(1)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submits a written notice containing a statement that the issuer seeks the application of the provisions of this paragraph to the issuer and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order to the Prime Minister, with regard to the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph (2) to the issuer of prepaid payment instruments after the submission date of the written notice, the provisions of this Chapter are applied to the person by replacing the phrase "and September 30" in Article 3, paragraph (2) with ", June 30, September 30, and December 31". In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(2)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments to whom the provisions of the preceding paragraph are applied, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submits a written notice containing a statement that the issuer no longer seeks the application of the provisions of that paragraph to the issuer and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order to the Prime Minister, the provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to the issuer after the submission date of the written notice (if the record period including the submission date falls within the period from the day following the special base date (meaning June 31 and December 31 of each year) to the next ordinary base date (meaning March 31 and September 30 of each year; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph)); provided, however, that this does not apply if the issuer of prepaid payment instruments submits another written notice referred to in that paragraph after the submission date.

(3)An issuer of prepaid payment instruments to whom the provisions of paragraph (1) are applied may submit a written notice referred to in the main clause of the preceding paragraph only on or after the day on which a period specified by Cabinet Order has passed from the submission date of a written notice referred to in paragraph (1).

(4)An issuer of prepaid payment instruments who has submitted a written notice referred to in the main clause of paragraph (2) may submit a written notice referred to in paragraph (1) only on or after the day on which a period specified by Cabinet Order has passed from the submission date of a written notice referred to in the main clause of paragraph (2).

Article 30(1)If a person other than an issuer of prepaid payment instruments has succeeded to the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for its own business from an issuer of prepaid payment instruments by way of inheritance, transfer of business, merger or company split, or for other reasons (excluding cases where the person has succeeded to the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business), if the unused balance on the base date on the base date immediately preceding the date of succession of prepaid payment instruments for their own business pertaining to the succession of the business exceeded the standard amount, the person other than an issuer of prepaid payment instruments is deemed to be an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for their own business who has issued the prepaid payment instruments for its own business, and the provisions of this Act (excluding Article 5) applies to that person.

(2)A person who is deemed to be an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for its own business pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph must submit a written notice containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister without delay, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order:

(3)Documents concerning finance and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written notice referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(4)If any of the particulars set forth in paragraph (2), item (ii) or item (iv) are changed, the person who is deemed to be an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for its own business pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

Article 31(1)A holder of prepaid payment instruments has the right to receive, in preference over other creditors, payments with regard to claims pertaining to prepaid payment instruments for the return of the security deposits for issuance pertaining to those prepaid payment instruments.

(2)In the case falling under any of the following items, when the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the protection of the interests of holders of prepaid payment instruments, the Minister must give a public notice that persons holding the right specified in the preceding paragraph must file their claims with the Prime Minister within a certain period not less than sixty days and that they must be excluded from the procedures for the fulfillment of the right to the return of the security deposits for issuance pertaining to the public notice unless they file their claims within the relevant period:

(3)The Prime Minister may, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, entrust the administrative functions related to the fulfillment of the right specified in paragraph (1) to a deposit-taking institution or any other person specified by Cabinet Order (referred to as "agents for a regional finance office that distribute security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments" in the following paragraph and in paragraph (5)).

(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Acts, any agents for a regional finance office that distributes security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments may conduct the business of performing the administrative functions entrusted pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(5)With regard to the application of the Penal Code (Act No. 45 of 1907) and other penal provisions to an agents for a regional finance office that distributes security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments to whom business has been entrusted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) or its officers or employees engaging in entrusted business are deemed to be officials engaged in public service pursuant to laws and regulations.

(6)Beyond what is provided for in paragraph (2) through the preceding paragraph, particulars necessary for the fulfillment of the right referred to in paragraph (1) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 32If a person to whom the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments has been entrusted by an issuer of prepaid payment instruments, or a closely related person, member shop or any other related person of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments is requested by the Prime Minister to extend their cooperation necessary for the fulfillment of the right specified in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pertaining to the prepaid payment instruments issued by the issuer of prepaid payment instruments, the person is to endeavor to respond to the request.

Article 33(1)If an issuer of prepaid payment instruments falls under any of the following items, it must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay:

(2)When an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business has discontinued all or part of the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments for third-party business, the registration of the issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business referred to in Article 7 ceases to be effective.

Article 34With regard to an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business, when the registration referred to in Article 7 is revoked pursuant to provisions of Article 27, paragraph (1) or (2) or ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of the preceding Article, the person who has been an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business is deemed to be an issuer of prepaid payment instruments for third-party business within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of obligations pertaining to the prepaid payment instruments for third-party business issued by the person.

Article 35The provisions of Article 14, paragraph (1) do not apply to an issuer of prepaid payment instruments who is a deposit-taking institution satisfying the requirements specified by Cabinet Order or any other person specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 36A person conducting the business of issuing prepaid payment instruments in a foreign state must not solicit a person in Japan for prepaid payment instruments issued by the person in the foreign state.

Article 36-2(1)The term "type I funds transfer services" as used in this Act means funds transfer services (excluding the specified funds transfer services; hereinafter the same applies except in paragraph (4)) other than type II funds transfer services and type III funds transfer services.

(2)The term "type II funds transfer services" as used in this Act means funds transfer services to handle only funds transfer transactions for the transfer of funds at amounts not exceeding the amount specified as a small amount by Cabinet Order in the course of trade (excluding type III funds transfer services).

(3)The term "type III funds transfer services" as used in this Act means funds transfer services to handle only funds transfer transactions for the transfer of funds at amounts not exceeding the amount specified as a particularly small amount by Cabinet Order in the course of trade.

(4)The term "specified funds transfer services" as used in this Chapter means funds transfer services to handle only funds transfer transactions in specified trusts in the course of trade.

Article 37Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4, paragraph (1) and Article 47, paragraph (1) of the Banking Act, a person registered by the Prime Minister may provide the funds transfer service.

Article 37-2(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 4, paragraph (1) and Article 47, paragraph (1) of the Banking Act, a specified trust company may provide specified funds transfer services if it does not fall under Article 40, paragraph (1), items (vii) and (viii).

(2)If a specified trust company provides specified funds transfer services pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, specified funds transfer services are deemed to be funds transfer services and the relevant specified trust company is deemed to be a funds transfer service provider, respectively, and the provisions of Article 2, paragraphs (24) and (25), Article 39, Article 40-2, Article 41 (excluding paragraphs (1) and (2)), Article 42, Articles 49 through 51, Article 51-4 through Article 53 (excluding the items of paragraph (2) and the items of paragraph (3)), Article 54 through Article 56, paragraph (1), Article 58, Article 61, Article 62, paragraph (1), Article 62-8, Chapter V, Chapter VI, Article 102, and Article 103, and the provisions of Chapter VIII that are relevant to those provisions apply. In this case, the terms or phrases listed in the middle column of the table below in the provisions as listed in the left-hand column of that table are deemed to be replaced with the respective terms or phrases listed in the right-hand column of that table; and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order:

(3)When a specified trust company intends to provide specified funds transfer services pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the specified trust company must notify the Prime Minister of this intention, the details and method of the specified funds transfer services, and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order, by attaching a document in which the company pledges that it does not fall under Article 40, paragraph (1), items (vii) and (viii), documents containing particulars concerning the establishment of a system for ensuring the provision of specified funds transfer services in a proper and steady manner, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(4)If a beneficiary of beneficial interest in a specified trust involved in specified funds transfer services requests the full or partial redemption of the principal of the trust for the beneficial interest in the specified trust during the term of the trust agreement, a specified trust company that provides the specified funds transfer services pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) must meet the request without delay by cancelling part of the trust agreement for the beneficial interest in the specified trust; provided, however, that this does not apply in cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users.

Article 38(1)A person who intends to be registered as referred to in Article 37 must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written application for registration containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister:

(2)A document in which the applicant pledges that the applicant does not fall under any of the items of Article 40, paragraph (1), documents concerning finance, documents containing particulars concerning the establishment of a system for ensuring the provision of funds transfer services in a proper and steady manner, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the application for registration referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 39(1)The Prime Minister must, when an application for registration referred to in Article 37 is filed, register the following particulars in the register of funds transfer service providers, except when refusing the registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article:

(2)When the Prime Minister registered the particulars under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect without delay.

(3)The Prime Minister must make the register of funds transfer service providers available for public inspection.

Article 40(1)The Prime Minister must refuse registration when an applicant falls under any of the following items, or a written application for registration or its accompanying documents contain false statements about important particulars, or lack any statement about important particulars:

(2)When the Prime Minister refuses the registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect by indicating the reason without delay.

Article 40-2(1)When a funds transfer service provider intends to provide type I funds transfer services, the funds transfer service provider must formulate a business implementation plan containing the following particulars and obtain authorization of the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order. The same applies when a funds transfer service provider intends to change the business implementation plan (excluding minor changes specified by Cabinet Office Order):

(2)When a funds transfer service provider has made any minor change specified by Cabinet Office Order as prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the funds transfer service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect.

(3)The Prime Minister may set requirements for the approval referred to in paragraph (1) and change those requirements, to the extent necessary for the approval.

Article 41(1)When a funds transfer service provider intends to change any of the particulars set forth in Article 38, paragraph (1), item (vii) (limited to changes due to its intention to provide a new type of funds transfer service), the funds transfer service provider must have the change registered by the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(2)The provisions of Articles 38 through 40 apply mutatis mutandis to the registration of change referred to in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term the "following particulars" in Article 38, paragraph (1) is replaced with the "particulars pertaining to the change", the term "any of the items of Article 40, paragraph (1)" in paragraph (2) of that Article is replaced with "any of the items of Article 40, paragraph (1) (excluding items (i), (ii) and (vi) through (xi))", the term the "following particulars" in Article 39, paragraph (1) is replaced with the "particulars pertaining to the change", and the term "any of the following items" in Article 40, paragraph (1) is replaced with "any of the items of Article 40, paragraph (1) (excluding items (i), (ii) and (vi) through (xi))".

(3)When a funds transfer service provider intends to make any changes that are specified by Cabinet Office Order as those that are likely to weaken the protection of users of funds transfer services or hinder the proper and steady provision of funds transfer services (referred to "changes to the details of specified business, etc." in the following paragraph) which are the particulars set forth in Article 38, paragraph (1), item (viii), the funds transfer service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect in advance.

(4)When any of the particulars set forth in the items of Article 38, paragraph (1) (excluding changes to the details of the specified business, etc., and in the case of a change in the particulars set forth in item (vii) of that paragraph, limited to the change due to the discontinuation of the whole funds transfer service of the same category) are changed, the funds transfer service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

(5)When the Prime Minister accepts a notification under the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister must register the informed particulars in the register of funds transfer service providers.

Article 42A funds transfer service provider must not have another person provide the funds transfer services in the name of the funds transfer service provider.

Article 43(1)A funds transfer service provider must make security deposits for providing funds transfer services to the official depository nearest to its head office (in cases of a funds transfer service provider that is a foreign funds transfer service provider, its principal business office in Japan; the same applies in Article 48) for each category of funds transfer services set forth in the following items as specified therein in accordance with the category of funds transfer service:

(2)The term "amount required for security deposit for providing funds transfer services" as used in the items of the preceding paragraph means the total amount of outstanding obligations in the process of being transferred (meaning an amount, calculated pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, of obligations borne by a funds transfer service provider in relation to funds transfer transactions carried out by the funds transfer service provider; hereinafter the same applies in this Chapter) as of each business day for each category of funds transfer service and an amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order as the amount of costs pertaining to the procedure for the fulfillment of the right specified in Article 59, paragraph (1) (for type III funds transfer services by a funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of Article 45-2, paragraph (1) are applied, the total amount obtained by deducting the amount of outstanding obligations in the process of being transferred pertaining to type III funds transfer services as of each business day multiplied by the rate of management by bank deposits or savings specified in that paragraph from the amount of outstanding obligations in the process of being transferred as of each of those business days, and the amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order as the amount of costs pertaining to the procedure for the fulfillment of the right specified in Article 59, paragraph (1)); provided, however, that if the total is not more than the amount specified by Cabinet Order as being necessary for ensuring the performance of obligations borne by a small-scale funds transfer service provider in relation to funds transfer transactions carried out by the small-scale funds transfer service provider, the amount required for security deposit for providing funds transfer services is the amount specified by the relevant Cabinet Order.

(3)National government bond certificates, local government bond certificates or other bond certificates specified by Cabinet Office Order (including transfer bonds prescribed in Article 278, paragraph (1) of the Act on Book-Entry Transfer of Corporate Bonds and Shares; the same applies in Article 45, paragraph (3)) may be deposited to fulfill the security deposits for providing funds transfer services requirement. In this case, the appraised value of those bond certificates is determined pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 44When a funds transfer service provider concludes a guarantee contract for security deposits of providing funds transfer services (meaning a contract in which a deposit-taking institution satisfying the requirements specified by Cabinet Order or any other person specified by Cabinet Order promises that security deposits for providing funds transfer services will be made on behalf of the funds transfer service provider in response to an order by the Prime Minister; the same applies in this Chapter) for each category of funds transfer service that it provides and has notified the Minister to that effect, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, it may choose not to make all or part of the security deposits for providing funds transfer services for the relevant category of funds transfer service with regard to the secured amount (meaning the amount of money to be deposited under the guarantee contract for security deposits for providing funds transfer services; hereinafter the same applies in this Chapter) limited to the period during which the contract remains in force.

Article 45(1)If a funds transfer service provider concludes a trust agreement for security deposits for providing funds transfer services with a trust company, etc. (meaning a trust agreement whose purpose is to apply trust property to security deposits for providing funds transfer services in response to an order by the Prime Minister, which states that the trust company, etc. carries out necessary acts including the management of trust property for achieving the purpose of the trust; the same applies hereinafter in this Chapter) for each category of funds transfer service that it provides and has notified the Minister to that effect, it may choose not to make all or part of the security deposits for providing funds transfer services for the relevant category of funds transfer service with regard to the amount of trust property during the period in which the trust property is entrusted pursuant to the trust agreement for security deposits for providing funds transfer services.

(2)A trust agreement for security deposits for providing funds transfer services must provide the following particulars:

(3)The types of the trust properties entrusted pursuant to a trust agreement for security deposits for providing funds transfer services are to be limited to money, bank deposits and savings (limited to those specified by Cabinet Office Order), or national government bond certificates, local government bond certificates or other bond certificates specified by Cabinet Office Order. In this case, the appraised value of those bond certificates is determined pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 45-2(1)When a funds transfer service provider (limited to a person providing type III funds transfer services) has submitted a written notice containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, it may choose not to make all or part of the security deposits for providing type III funds transfer services on or after the day set forth in item (i). In this case, the funds transfer service provider must manage money in the amount equivalent to the amount not less than the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of outstanding obligations in the process of being transferred pertaining to type III funds transfer services as of each business day by the rate set forth in item (ii) (when the rate is changed, the rate that has been changed; hereinafter referred to as the "rate for managing bank deposits or savings" in this Article and Article 59, paragraph (1)) by using the method for managing bank deposits or savings specified in item (i):

(2)A funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of the preceding paragraph are applied must undergo a periodic audit by a certified public accountant (including foreign certified public accountant specified in Article 16-2, paragraph (5) of the Certified Public Accountants Act (Act No. 103 of 1948); the same applies hereinafter) or by an audit corporation, with regard to the aspects of management by using the method for managing bank deposits or savings, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(3)When a funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of paragraph (1) are applied intends to change the rate of management by bank deposits or savings or other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order, the funds transfer service provider must submit a written notice containing the day on which the change is to be made and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order to the Prime Minister in advance, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(4)A change to lower the rate of management by bank deposits or savings may be made only in the case where the total amount of security deposits for providing funds transfer services, the secured amount and the amount of trust property specified in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pertaining to type III funds transfer services as of the day on which the change to be made that is notified in a written notice referred to in the preceding paragraph exceeds the amount required for deposit pertaining to type III funds transfer services (meaning the amount of security deposits for providing type III funds transfer services, which must be made by a funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of paragraph (1) are applied must deposit for type III funds transfer services it provides, when making the relevant change, under the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1)) as of the base date immediately preceding that day.

(5)A funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of the preceding paragraph are applied may terminate the application of the provisions of that paragraph by submitting a written notice containing the day on which the application of the provisions of that paragraph ends (hereinafter referred to as the "day on which the management by bank deposits or savings ends" in this paragraph) and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order to the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order; provided, however, that this does not apply when the total amount of security deposits for providing funds transfer services, the secured amount and the amount of trust property specified in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pertaining to type III funds transfer services as of the day on which the management by bank deposits or savings ends is less than the amount required for deposit pertaining to type III funds transfer services (meaning the amount of security deposits for providing type III funds transfer services that the funds transfer service provider must deposit for type III funds transfer services it provides, when terminating the application of the provisions of paragraph (1), under the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1)) as of a base date immediately preceding that day on which the management by bank deposits or savings ends.

Article 46When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the protection of the interests of users of funds transfer services, the Minister may order a funds transfer service provider who has concluded a guarantee contract for security deposits for providing funds transfer services or trust agreement for security deposits for providing funds transfer services or the counterparty thereto to deposit all or part of the secured amount or the amount of proceeds from the trust property that has been realized.

Article 47All or part of the security deposits for providing only one type of funds transfer service may be recovered, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Order, if any of the requirements specified in the following items are satisfied:

Article 48Beyond what is provided for in this Section, a change of official depository for security deposits for providing funds transfer services due to the change of the location of the head office of a funds transfer service provider and other particulars necessary for making the security deposits for providing funds transfer services are prescribed by Cabinet Office Order and Ministry of Justice Order.

Article 49A funds transfer service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, take necessary measures for preventing leakage, loss, or damage of information pertaining to the funds transfer services and otherwise ensuring safe control of the handling of that information.

Article 50If a funds transfer service provider entrusts (including the case under multi-tier entrustment arrangements) part of the funds transfer service to a third party, the funds transfer service provider must provide guidance to the third party to whom the relevant business has been entrusted and take other measures necessary for ensuring the operation of the business in a proper and steady manner pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 51A funds transfer service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, provide explanation to prevent users from mistaking its business for funds transfer transactions carried out by a Deposit-Taking Institution, and provide information about fees and other terms and conditions of contracts related to the funds transfer services and take measures not to hold part of funds received from users that is found unlikely to be used for funds transfer transactions or other measures necessary for protecting the users of funds transfer services and ensuring the proper and secure conduct of funds transfer services.

Article 51-2(1)A funds transfer service provider (limited to a person providing type I funds transfer services; the same applies in the following paragraph) must not bear obligations in relation to funds transfer transactions (limited to funds transfer transactions pertaining to type I funds transfer services; the same applies in the following paragraph) for which the amount of funds to be transferred, the day on which the funds are transferred, and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order are not clear to users of type I funds transfer services.

(2)A funds transfer service provider must not bear obligations in relation to funds transfer transactions beyond the period necessary for processing the transfer of funds or another period specified by Cabinet Office Order.

Article 51-3A funds transfer service provider (limited to a person providing type III funds transfer services) must not bear obligations (limited to obligations borne in relation to funds transfer transactions pertaining to type III funds transfer services) in an amount exceeding the amount for users of type III funds transfer services specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 51-4(1)A funds transfer service provider must take the measures specified in the following items according to the categories of cases set forth therein:

(2)If a funds transfer service provider implements measures to conclude a basic contract for execution of procedures pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the funds transfer service provider must publicly announce the trade name or other name of the designated dispute resolution organization for funds transfer services that is the counterparty to the basic contract for execution of procedures.

(3)The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply during the period specified in the following items according to the respective categories of cases prescribed therein:

(4)The term "complaint processing measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means having a person specified by Cabinet Office Order as one who has expert knowledge and experience with regard to consultation regarding complaints on consumer affairs that the consumer made against the service provider or in other areas of consumer affairs, to provide advice or guidance to employees or other workers who engage in the business of processing complaints from the users or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

(5)The term "dispute resolution measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means seeking resolution of a dispute with the user through the authorized dispute resolution procedures (meaning the authorized dispute resolution procedures prescribed in Article 2, item (iii) of the Act on Promoting the Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (Act No. 151 of 2004); the same applies in Article 62-16, paragraph (5) and Article 63-12, paragraph (5)) or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

Article 52A funds transfer service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare and maintain the books and documents on its funds transfer service.

Article 53(1)A funds transfer service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare a written report on its funds transfer services for each business year and submit it to the Prime Minister.

(2)In addition to the written reports prescribed in the preceding paragraph, a funds transfer service provider must prepare a written report specified in the following items in accordance with the respective types of funds transfer service providers set forth therein for each period specified by Cabinet Office Order not exceeding six months (simply referred to as the "period" in item (ii)), and submit it to the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order:

(3)Documents specified in the following items in accordance with the respective types of funds transfer service providers set forth therein must be attached to the written report referred to in the preceding two paragraphs:

Article 54(1)When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of funds transfer service in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may order a funds transfer service provider to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for its business or property, or have officials enter the business office or other facility of that funds transfer service provider, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds it particularly necessary for the provision of funds transfer service in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may order a person to whom business has been entrusted by the funds transfer service provider (including persons to whom the business has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including those under multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 60) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the funds transfer service provider, or have officials enter the facility of the person to whom business has been entrusted by the funds transfer service provider, ask questions about the status of the business or property of the funds transfer service provider or inspect its books and documents or other items, to the extent necessary for the order.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by a funds transfer service provider referred to in the preceding paragraph may refuse the submission of reports or materials, or the inquiry or inspection under the provisions of that paragraph if there are reasonable grounds for doing so.

Article 55When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of funds transfer service in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may order a funds transfer service provider to take necessary measures to improve the operation of its business or its financial status or other measures necessary for the purpose of supervision, to the extent necessary for the order.

Article 56(1)When a funds transfer service provider falls under any of the following items, the Prime Minister may revoke its registration referred to in Article 37 or order the funds transfer service provider to suspend all or part of its funds transfer service, by setting a period for suspension not exceeding six months:

(2)If the Prime Minister is unable to ascertain the locations of business offices of a funds transfer service provider or the whereabouts of the company director or executive officer representing the funds transfer service provider (in cases of a funds transfer service provider that is a foreign funds transfer service provider, the representative person in Japan), the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, may issue public notice of that fact and revoke the registration of the funds transfer service provider under Article 37 if no application is made by the service provider after thirty days have passed since the day of the public notice.

(3)The provisions of Chapter III of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to the disposition under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 57When the Prime Minister revokes the registration referred to in Article 37 pursuant to provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article or when the registration referred to in Article 37 has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 61, paragraph (2), the Minister must delete the registration.

Article 58When the Prime Minister implements a disposition under the provisions of Article 56, paragraph (1) or (2), the Minister must give public notice to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 58-2(1)In the case where a funds transfer service provider provides two or more types of funds transfer services and the calculation period, the base date, etc. and the due date for deposit according to the respective types of funds transfer services provided by it, for which security deposits are to be made pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1), are the same for all or part of the respective types of funds transfer services provided by it, and when the funds transfer service provider has submitted a written notice containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, the funds transfer service provider may make a lump sum deposit according to the respective types of funds transfer services set forth in item (ii) (hereinafter referred to as "funds transfer services under the special provisions" in this paragraph and the following paragraph) on or after the day set forth in item (i) (referred to as the "day on which the application of special provisions commences" in the following paragraph). With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 43, paragraphs (1) and (2), Article 44, Article 45, paragraph (1) and paragraph (2), item (i), Article 47 and paragraph (1) of the following Article to funds transfer services subject to special provisions in this case, the phrase "for the respective types of funds transfer services set forth in the following items specified therein in accordance with the types of funds transfer services" in Article 43, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "as specified in the following items in accordance with the respective types of funds transfer services specified therein" and at the end of the provisions of that paragraph, the phrase "; provided, however, that in the case where the total amount required for security deposit for providing funds transfer services pertaining to the funds transfer services provided by the funds transfer service provider is not more than the amount specified by Cabinet Order as being necessary for ensuring performance of obligations borne by a small-scale funds transfer service provider in relation to funds transfer transactions carried out by the small-scale funds transfer service provider, the funds transfer service provider must make security deposits for providing funds transfer services in the amount equivalent to the amount not less than the amount specified by the relevant Cabinet Order" is to be added; in paragraph (2) of that Article, the proviso is to be deleted; in Article 44, the phrases "for each type of funds transfer services provided by it" and "for the relevant type of funds transfer service" are to be deleted; in Article 45, paragraph (1), the phrases "for respective types of funds transfer services provided by it" and "for the relevant category of funds transfer services" are to be deleted, and in Article 45, paragraph (2), item (i), the phrase "(limited to funds transfer transactions for the category of funds transfer services pertaining to the trust agreement of security deposits for providing funds transfer services)" is to be deleted; in Article 47, the phrase "a single category of" is to be deleted, and in item (i) of that Article, the phrase "Article 43, paragraph (1)" is to be replaced with "the main clause of Article 43, paragraph (1)"; in paragraph (1) of the following Article, the phrase "for a single type of funds transfer services provided by" is to be replaced with "carried out" and the phrase "the type of" is to be deleted; and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order:

(2)Security deposits for providing funds transfer services made by a funds transfer service provider that has submitted a written notice referred to in the preceding paragraph has made for each of the funds transfer services under the special provisions pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1) as of the day on which the special provisions commence to apply are deemed to be security deposits for providing funds transfer services made by the funds transfer service provider pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1) as applied following the deemed replacement of terms pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(3)When a funds transfer service provider that has submitted a written notice referred to in paragraph (1) submits a written notice containing the type of funds transfer service for which it terminates a lump sum deposit (hereinafter referred to as the "funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated" in this paragraph and the following paragraph), the day on which it terminates a lump sum deposit for the funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated (hereinafter referred to as the "day on which the application of special provisions is terminated" in this paragraph and the following paragraph), and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order to the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, the provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply to the funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated on or after the day on which the application of special provisions is terminated.

(4)Security deposits for providing funds transfer services made by a funds transfer service provider that submitted a written notice referred to in the preceding paragraph pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1) as applied following the deemed replacement of terms pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) as of the day on which the application of special provisions is terminated (including security deposits for providing funds transfer services that are deemed to have been made pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1) as applied following the deemed replacement of terms pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2)) are deemed to be security deposits for providing funds transfer services made by the funds transfer service provider for each of the funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, in accordance with the amount required for deposit for each of the funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated (meaning the amount of security deposits made by the funds transfer service provider, when intending to terminate a lump sum deposit for funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated, must deposit for each of those funds transfer services for which the application of special provisions is terminated pursuant to the provisions of Article 43, paragraph (1)) as of the base date, etc. immediately preceding the day on which the application of special provisions is terminated.

(5)In this Article, the terms set forth in the following items mean as specified respectively therein:

Article 59(1)A creditor of obligations borne by a funds transfer service provider in relation to the funds transfer transactions for a single category of funds transfer services provided by the funds transfer service provider has the right to receive, in preference over other creditors, payments for the return of security deposits for providing that category of funds transfer services; provided, however, that creditors of obligations that a funds transfer service provider to whom the provisions of Article 45-2, paragraph (1) are applied bears in relation to the funds transfer transactions (limited to funds transfer transactions pertaining to type III funds transfer services) carried out thereby are to have the right up to the amount deducting the amount obtained by multiplying the claimed amount by the rate of management by bank deposits or savings from the amount of the claim.

(2)In the cases falling under any of the following items, when the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the protection of the interests of users of funds transfer services, the Minister must give public notice to the effect that persons holding the right specified in the preceding paragraph must file their claims with the Prime Minister within a certain period of not less than sixty days and that they are excluded from the procedure for the fulfillment of the right to the return of the security deposits for providing funds transfer services pertaining to the public notice unless they file their claims within the notified period and take other measures necessary for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in that paragraph:

(3)The Prime Minister may, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, entrust the administrative functions related to the fulfillment of the right prescribed in paragraph (1) to a deposit-taking institution or any other person specified by Cabinet Order (referred to as "agents for a regional finance office that distributes security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments" in the following paragraph and in paragraph (5)).

(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Acts, an agent for a regional finance office that distributes security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments may engage in the business entrusted to the agent pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

(5)With regard to the application of the Penal Code and other penal provisions, an agent for a regional finance office that distributes security deposits to holders of prepaid payment instruments to whom business has been entrusted pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) or its officers or employees engaging in the entrusted business are deemed to be officials engaged in public service pursuant to laws and regulations.

(6)Beyond what is provided for in paragraph (2) through the preceding paragraph, particulars necessary for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in paragraph (1) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 60If a person to whom funds transfer services have been entrusted by a funds transfer service provider or any other related person of the funds transfer service provider is requested by the Prime Minister to extend their cooperation necessary for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pertaining to funds transfer transactions carried out by the funds transfer service provider, the person is to endeavor to respond to the request.

Article 61(1)If a funds transfer service provider falls under any of the following items, it must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay:

(2)If a funds transfer service provider discontinues all of the funds transfer service, the registration of the funds transfer service provider referred to in Article 37 ceases to be effective. In this case, a person who has been the funds transfer service provider is deemed to be a funds transfer service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of obligations borne by the service provider in relation to the funds transfer transactions carried out by it.

(3)When intending to discontinue all or part of the funds transfer services, a funds transfer service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, give public notice to that effect and post a notice to that effect in a place easily seen by the public at all of its business offices at least thirty days prior to the relevant date.

(4)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a funds transfer service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect immediately.

(5)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) (excluding cases where it has given public notice concerning the succession of the relevant business by way of transfer of business, merger or company split, or for other reasons) a funds transfer service provider must, promptly complete the performance of obligations that it has borne in relation to the funds transfer transactions carried out by it in the course of the funds transfer services that the service provider intends to discontinue.

(6)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act applies mutatis mutandis to cases where a funds transfer service provider (excluding a foreign funds transfer service provider) gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice (meaning electronic public notice specified in Article 2, item (xxxiv) of that Act; the same applies in the following paragraph). In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(7)The provisions of Article 940, (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, (3), Article 941, Article 946, Article 947, Article 951 (2), Article 953, and Article 955 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where a funds transfer service provider that is a foreign funds transfer service provider gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice. In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 62(1)With regard to a funds transfer service provider, when the registration referred to in Article 37 has been revoked pursuant to provisions of Article 56, paragraph (1) or (2) (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of funds transfer services or hinder the provision of funds transfer services in a proper and steady manner), the person who has been the funds transfer service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by the service provider in relation to the funds transfer transactions carried out by it. In this case, the person who has been the funds transfer service provider is deemed to be a funds transfer service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of these obligations.

(2)With regard to a funds transfer service provider providing two or more types of funds transfer services, when a change of type of funds transfer service due to the discontinuation of one type of whole funds transfer services has been registered in the register of funds transfer service providers pursuant to the provisions of Article 41, paragraph (5), the funds transfer service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the funds transfer transactions for the types of funds transfer services that it has discontinued. In this case, the funds transfer service provider is deemed to be registered as a funds transfer service provider providing those types of funds transfer services referred to in Article 37 within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of these obligations.

Article 62-2Unless otherwise prescribed by laws and regulations, a foreign funds transfer service provider that has not been registered as referred to in Article 37 and a foreign trust business operator prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (5) of the Trust Business Act (excluding a foreign trust company (meaning the foreign trust company prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (6) of that Act) that has filed a notification under the provisions of Article 37-2, paragraph (3)) must not solicit a person in Japan for funds transfer transactions.

Article 62-3No person may provide electronic payment instruments services unless the person is registered by the Prime Minister.

Article 62-4(1)Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, a person who intends to be registered referred to in the preceding Article must submit a written application for registration containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister:

(2)A document in which the applicant pledges that the applicant does not fall under any of the items of Article 62-6, paragraph (1), documents concerning finance, documents containing particulars concerning the establishment of a system for ensuring the provision of the electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written application for registration referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 62-5(1)The Prime Minister must, when an application for registration referred to in Article 62-3 is filed, register the following particulars in the register of electronic payment instruments service providers, except when refusing the registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article:

(2)If the Prime Minister registers the particulars under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect without delay.

(3)The Prime Minister must make the register of electronic payment instruments service providers available for public inspection.

Article 62-6(1)The Prime Minister must refuse registration when an applicant falls under any of the following items, or a written application for registration or its accompanying documents contain false statements about important particulars, or lack any statement about important particulars:

(2)When the Prime Minister refuses the registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect by indicating the reason without delay.

Article 62-7(1)When an electronic payment instruments service provider intends to change any of the particulars set forth in Article 62-4, paragraph (1), item (vii) (limited to changes due to its intention to provide a new type of business), the electronic payment instruments service provider must have the change registered by the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(2)The provisions of the preceding three Articles apply mutatis mutandis to the registration of change referred to in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the term the "following particulars" in Article 62-4, paragraph (1) is replaced with the "particulars pertaining to the change", the term "any of the items of Article 62-6, paragraph (1)" in paragraph (2) of that Article is replaced with "any of the items of Article 62-6, paragraph (1) (excluding items (i), (ii) and (vii) through (xii))", the term the "following particulars" in Article 62-5, paragraph (1) is replaced with the "particulars pertaining to the change to the particulars set forth in paragraph (1), item (vii) of the preceding Article," and the term "any of the following items" in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article is replaced with "any of the following items (excluding items (i), (ii) and (vii) through (xii))".

(3)When an electronic payment instruments service provider intends to change any of the particulars set forth in Article 62-4, paragraph (1), item (viii) through (x) (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of electronic payment instruments services or hinder the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner), the electronic payment instruments service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect in advance.

(4)If any of the particulars set forth in the items of Article 62-4, paragraph (1) are changed (excluding the case in which registration of change has been made under the provisions of paragraph (1) and cases in which a notification has been filed under the provisions of the preceding paragraph), the electronic payment instruments service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

(5)If the Prime Minister accepts a notification under the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, the Minister must register the particulars of the notification in the register of electronic payment instruments service providers.

Article 62-8(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 62-3, if a bank, etc. or funds transfer service provider that issues electronic payment instruments (hereinafter referred to as the "issuer" in this Article) does not fall under Article 62-6, paragraph (1), items (viii) and (ix), it may provide electronic payment instruments services (limited to the electronic payment instruments-related business; hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 113, item (ii)) with regard to electronic payment instruments issued thereby.

(2)If the issuer provides electronic payment instruments services pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the issuer is deemed to be an electronic payment instruments service provider, and the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (25), Article 62-5, paragraphs (3) through (5) of the preceding Article, the following Article through Article 62-12, Article 62-14, Article 62-16 through Article 62-22, paragraph (1), Article 62-24 through Article 62-26, paragraph (1), Chapter V, Chapter VI, Article 102, and Article 103 and the provisions of Chapter VIII that are relevant to those provisions apply. In this case, the terms or phrases listed in the middle column of the table below in the provisions as listed in the left-hand column of that table are deemed to be replaced with the respective terms or phrases listed in the right-hand column of that table; and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order:

(3)When the issuer intends to provide electronic payment instruments services pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), it must submit to the Prime Minister documents containing particulars set forth in the items of Article 62-4, paragraph (1) (excluding item (ix)), a document in which the issuer pledges that it does not fall under Article 62-6, paragraph (1), items (viii) and (ix), and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order.

Article 62-9An electronic payment instruments service provider must not have another person provide the electronic payment instruments services in the name of the electronic payment instruments service provider.

Article 62-10Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider must take necessary measures for preventing leakage, loss, or damage of information pertaining to the electronic payment instruments services and other measures for ensuring security management of the relevant information.

Article 62-11If an electronic payment instruments service provider entrusts (including the case under multi-tier entrustment arrangements) part of the electronic payment instruments services to a third party, the electronic payment instruments service provider must provide guidance to the third party to whom the relevant business has been entrusted and take other measures necessary for ensuring the operation of the business in a proper and steady manner pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 62-12Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider must provide explanation to prevent users from mistaking its electronic payment instruments services for the business carried out by a bank, etc., funds transfer service provider, or specified trust company, provide information about details of electronic payment instruments, fees and other terms and conditions of contracts related to the electronic payment instruments services, and take other measures necessary for protecting the users of electronic payment instruments services and ensuring the provision of the electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner.

Article 62-13An electronic payment instruments service provider must not, for any reason, receive a deposit of money or other property (excluding electronic payment instruments) from a user, or have a person specified by Cabinet Order as being closely related to that electronic payment instruments service provider deposit a user's money or other property, in connection with the electronic payment instruments services it provides; provided, however, that this does not apply in cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users.

Article 62-14(1)In connection with its electronic payment instruments services, an electronic payment instruments service provider must manage the electronic payment instruments of the users of electronic payment instruments services separately from its own electronic payment instruments pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(2)Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider must undergo a periodic audit by a certified public accountant or by an audit corporation, with regard to the state of management under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 62-15If an electronic payment instruments service provider provides electronic payment instruments services (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of electronic payment instruments services or hinder the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner), the electronic payment instruments service provider must conclude, with the person specified in the following items (hereinafter referred to as the "issuer, etc." in this Article) according to the categories of cases set forth therein, a contract relating to electronic payment instruments services in which particulars concerning the sharing that will take place between the issuer, etc. and the electronic payment instruments service provider of the liability to compensate users for any loss or damage sustained thereby and other particulars specified by Cabinet Office Order are stipulated, and provide the electronic payment instruments services pertaining to the issuer, etc. under this contract:

Article 62-16(1)An electronic payment instruments service provider must take the measures specified in the following items according to the categories of cases prescribed therein:

(2)If an electronic payment instruments service provider implements measures to conclude a basic contract for execution of procedures pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the electronic payment instruments service provider must announce the trade name or other name of the designated dispute resolution organization for electronic payment instruments business that is the counterparty to the basic contract for execution of procedures.

(3)The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply during the period specified in the following items for the respective categories of cases prescribed therein:

(4)The term "complaint processing measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means having a person specified by Cabinet Office Order as one who has expert knowledge and experience with regard to consultation regarding complaints on consumer affairs that the consumer made against the service provider or in other areas of consumer affairs provide advice or guidance to employees or other workers who engage in the business of processing complaints from the users or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

(5)The term "dispute resolution measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means seeking resolution of a dispute with the user through the authorized dispute resolution procedures or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

Article 62-17(1)The provisions of Chapter III, Section 1, Subsection 5 (excluding Article 34-2, paragraphs (6) through (8) and Article 34-3, paragraphs (5) and (6)), Section 2, Subsection 1 of the that Chapter (excluding Articles 35 through 36-4, Article 37-2, Article 37-3, paragraph (3), Article 37-5, Article 37-7, Article 38, items (vii) and (viii), Article 38-2, Article 39, and Articles 40-2 through 40-7) and Article 45 (excluding items (iii) and (iv)) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (referred to as the "provisions of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act" in the following paragraph) apply mutatis mutandis to an electronic payment instruments service provider that engages in the electronic payment instruments-related business pertaining to a specified contract for electronic payment instruments transaction (meaning a contract for carrying out electronic payment instruments-related business pertaining to what is specified by Cabinet Office Order as electronic payment instruments for which the prices are likely to fluctuate due to fluctuations in indicators such as value of currencies; the same applies in that paragraph). In this case, except in cases prescribed in that paragraph, the term "contract for financial instruments transaction" and the term "customer" in these provisions are deemed to be replaced with "specified contract for electronic payment instruments transaction" and "user", respectively.

(2)If the provisions of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act apply mutatis mutandis to an electronic payment instruments service provider that engages in the electronic payment instruments-related business pertaining to a specified contract for electronic payment instruments transaction, the terms or phrases listed in the middle column of the table below in the provisions of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act as listed in the left-hand column of that table are deemed to be replaced with the respective terms or phrases listed in the right-hand column of that table; and any other necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order:

Article 62-18Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider must prepare and preserve the books and documents on its electronic payment instruments services.

Article 62-19(1)Pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider must prepare a written report on its electronic payment instruments services for each business year and submit it to the Prime Minister.

(2)In addition to the written reports specified in the preceding paragraph, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, an electronic payment instruments service provider (limited to one who engages in the management of electronic payment instruments) must prepare a written report on the volumes of users' electronic payment instruments under the management in connection with the electronic payment instruments services and other particulars concerning the management of the electronic payment instruments for each period specified by Cabinet Office Order, and submit it to the Prime Minister.

(3)Documents concerning finance, an audit report prepared by a certified public accountant or audit corporation regarding these documents, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written report referred to in paragraph (1).

(4)Documents proving the volumes of users' electronic payment instruments under the management in connection with the electronic payment instruments services and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written report referred to in paragraph (2).

Article 62-20(1)When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may order an electronic payment instruments service provider to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for its business or property, or have officials enter the business office or other facility of that electronic payment instruments service provider, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds it particularly necessary for the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner, to the extent necessary for this, the Minister may order a person to whom business has been entrusted by the electronic payment instruments service provider (including persons to whom the business has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including those under multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the electronic payment instruments service provider, or have officials enter the facility of the person to whom business has been entrusted by the electronic payment instruments service provider, ask questions about the status of the business or property of the electronic payment instruments service provider or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by an electronic payment instruments service provider referred to in the preceding paragraph may refuse the submission of reports or materials, or the questions or inspection under the provisions of that paragraph if there are reasonable grounds for doing so.

Article 62-21When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner, to the extent necessary for this, the Minister may order an electronic payment instruments service provider to take necessary measures to improve the operation of its business or its financial status or other measures necessary for the purpose of supervision.

Article 62-22(1)When an electronic payment instruments service provider falls under any of the following items, the Prime Minister may revoke its registration referred to in Article 62-3 or order the electronic payment instruments service provider to suspend all or part of its electronic payment instruments services, by setting a period for suspension not exceeding six months:

(2)If the Prime Minister is unable to ascertain the locations of business offices of an electronic payment instruments service provider or the whereabouts of the company director or executive officer representing the electronic payment instruments service provider (in cases of an electronic payment instruments service provider that is a foreign electronic payment instruments service provider, the representative person in Japan), the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, may issue public notice of that fact and revoke the registration of the electronic payment instruments service provider under Article 62-3 if no application is made by the service provider after thirty days have passed since the day of the public notice.

(3)The provisions of Chapter III of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to the disposition under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 62-23When the Prime Minister revokes the registration referred to in Article 62-3 pursuant to provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article or when the registration referred to in Article 62-3 has ceased to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 62-25, paragraph (2), the Minister must delete the registration.

Article 62-24When the Prime Minister implements a disposition under the provisions of Article 62-22, paragraph (1) or (2), the Minister must give public notice to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 62-25(1)If an electronic payment instruments service provider falls under any of the following items, it must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay:

(2)If an electronic payment instruments service provider discontinues all of the electronic payment instruments services, the registration of the electronic payment instruments service provider referred to in Article 62-3 ceases to be effective. In this case, a person who has been the electronic payment instruments service provider is deemed to be an electronic payment instruments service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of obligations borne by the service provider in relation to the electronic payment instruments services carried out by it, and returning the users' property under the management relating to the electronic payment instruments services carried out by it or transferring the property to users.

(3)If an electronic payment instruments service provider intends to discontinue all or part of the electronic payment instruments services, to transfer all or part of the electronic payment instruments services, to implement a merger (limited to a merger in which the electronic payment instruments service provider disappears), to dissolve for reasons other than a merger or an order to commence bankruptcy proceedings, or to have another service provider succeed all or part of the electronic payment instruments services due to a company split, it must give public notice to that effect at least thirty days prior to the relevant date and post a notice thereof in a place easily seen by the public at all of its business offices, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(4)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, an electronic payment instruments service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect immediately.

(5)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) (excluding cases where an electronic payment instruments service provider has given public notice concerning the succession of the relevant business by way of transfer of business, merger or company split, or for other reasons), the electronic payment instruments service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the electronic payment instruments services that it intends to discontinue, and promptly return the users' property under the management relating to the electronic payment instruments services or transfer the property to users.

(6)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where an electronic payment instruments service provider (excluding a foreign electronic payment instruments service provider) gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice (meaning electronic public notice specified in Article 2, item (xxxiv) of that Act; the same applies in the following paragraph). In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(7)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, paragraph (3), Article 941, Article 946, Article 947, Article 951, paragraph (2), Article 953, and Article 955 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where an electronic payment instruments service provider that is a foreign an electronic payment instruments service provider gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice. In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 62-26(1)With regard to an electronic payment instruments service provider, when the registration referred to in Article 62-3 has been revoked pursuant to provisions of Article 62-22, paragraph (1) or (2) (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of electronic payment instruments services or hinder the provision of electronic payment instruments services in a proper and steady manner), the person who has been the electronic payment instruments service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the electronic payment instruments services carried out by it, and promptly return the users' property under the management relating to the electronic payment instruments services or transfer the property to users. In this case, the person who has been the electronic payment instruments service provider is deemed to be an electronic payment instruments service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of these obligations and returning the property or transferring the property to users.

(2)With regard to an electronic payment instruments service provider that carries out both electronic payment instruments-related business and the business related to the acts set forth in Article 2, paragraph (10), item (iv), when a change of type of electronic payment instruments service due to the discontinuation of the entirety of either business has been registered in the register of electronic payment instruments service providers pursuant to the provisions of Article 62-7, paragraph (5), the electronic payment instruments service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the type of business that it has discontinued, and promptly return the users' property under the management relating to the business or transfer the property to users. In this case, the electronic payment instruments service provider is deemed to be registered as an electronic payment instruments service provider providing the relevant type of business referred to in Article 62-3 within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of these obligations and returning the property or transferring the property to users.

Article 63A foreign electronic payment instruments service provider that has not been registered as referred to in Article 62-3 must not solicit a person in Japan for the acts set forth in the items of Article 2, paragraph (10) or acts equivalent to the act set forth in item (iv) of that paragraph.

Article 63-2No person may provide a cryptoasset exchange service unless the person is registered by the Prime Minister.

Article 63-3(1)A person who intends to be registered referred to in the preceding Article must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written application for registration containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister:

(2)A document in which the applicant pledges that the applicant does not to fall under any of the items of Article 63-5, paragraph (1), documents concerning finance, documents containing particulars concerning the establishment of a system for ensuring the provision of the cryptoasset exchange service in a proper and steady manner, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the application for registration referred to in the preceding paragraph.

Article 63-4(1)The Prime Minister must, when an application for registration referred to in Article 63-2 is filed, register the following particulars in the register of cryptoasset exchange service providers, except when refusing the registration pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of the following Article:

(2)If the Prime Minister registers the particulars under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect without delay.

(3)The Prime Minister must make the register of cryptoasset exchange service providers available for public inspection.

Article 63-5(1)The Prime Minister must refuse registration when an applicant falls under any of the following items, or a written application for registration or its accompanying documents contain false statements about important particulars, or lack any statement about important particulars:

(2)When the Prime Minister refuses the registration pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must notify the applicant to that effect by indicating the reason therefor without delay.

Article 63-6(1)When a cryptoasset exchange service provider intends to change any of the particulars set forth in Article 63-3, paragraph (1), item (vii) or (viii) (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of cryptoasset exchange services or hinder the provision of cryptoasset exchange services in a proper and steady manner), the cryptoasset exchange service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect in advance.

(2)If any of the particulars set forth in the items of Article 63-3, paragraph (1) (excluding the case in which a notification has been filed under the provisions of the preceding paragraph) are changed, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

(3)If the Prime Minister accepts a notification under the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the Minister must register the particulars of the notification in the register of cryptoasset exchange service providers.

Article 63-7A cryptoasset exchange service provider must not have another person provide the cryptoasset exchange service in the name of the cryptoasset exchange service provider.

Article 63-8A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, take necessary measures for preventing leakage, loss, or damage to information pertaining to the cryptoasset exchange services and other measures for the security management of relevant information.

Article 63-9If a cryptoasset exchange service provider entrusts (including cases under multi-tier entrustment arrangements) part of the cryptoasset exchange services to a third party, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must provide guidance to the third party to whom the relevant business has been entrusted and take other measures necessary for ensuring the operation of the business in a proper and steady manner pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 63-9-2When a cryptoasset exchange service provider places an advertisement concerning the cryptoasset exchange service provided by it, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must indicate the following particulars, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order:

Article 63-9-3A cryptoasset exchange service provider or its officer or employee must not engage in the following conduct:

Article 63-10(1)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, provide explanation concerning the characteristics of cryptoassets, and information about fees and other terms and conditions of contracts pertaining to the cryptoasset exchange service, and take other measures necessary for protecting the users of cryptoasset exchange services and ensuring the provision of the cryptoasset exchange services in a proper and steady manner.

(2)When a cryptoasset exchange service provider exchanges cryptoassets, etc. by granting credit to the user of cryptoasset exchange service, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must provide information on the terms and conditions of contracts pertaining to exchange of cryptoassets, etc. and other measures necessary for protecting the users of business pertaining to exchange of cryptoassets, etc. and ensuring the operation of the business in a proper and steady manner, in addition to the measures prescribed in the preceding paragraph, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 63-11(1)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, in connection with its cryptoasset exchange services, manage the money of the users of cryptoasset exchange services separately from its own money and entrust the users' money with a trust company, etc., pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(2)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, in connection with its cryptoasset exchange services, manage the cryptoassets of the users of the cryptoasset exchange services separately from its own cryptoassets, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order. In this case, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must manage users' cryptoassets (excluding cryptoassets that satisfy the requirements specified by Cabinet Office Order as being necessary for ensuring the convenience of users and achieving smooth provision of cryptoasset exchange services) by the method specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users.

(3)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, undergo a periodic audit by a certified public accountant or by an audit corporation, with regard to the state of management under the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs.

Article 63-11-2(1)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must hold cryptoassets of the same type and same volume as the cryptoassets that satisfy the requirements specified by Cabinet Office Order prescribed in paragraph (2) of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as the "performance-guarantee cryptoassets" in this paragraph and Article 63-19-2, paragraph (1)) as its own cryptoassets and manage them separately from its own cryptoassets other than the performance-guarantee cryptoassets, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order. In this case, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must manage the performance-guarantee cryptoassets by the method specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users.

(2)The provisions of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article apply mutatis mutandis to the status of the management under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 63-12(1)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must take the measures specified in the following items according to the categories of cases prescribed therein:

(2)If a cryptoasset exchange service provider implements measures to conclude a basic contract for execution of procedures pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the cryptoasset exchange service provider must announce the trade name or other name of the designated dispute resolution organization for cryptoasset exchange business that is the counterparty to the basic contract for execution of procedures.

(3)The provisions of paragraph (1) do not apply during the period specified in the following items for the respective categories of cases prescribed therein:

(4)The term "complaint processing measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means to have a person specified by Cabinet Office Order as one who has expert knowledge and experience with regard to consultation regarding complaints on consumer affairs that the consumer made against the service provider or in other areas of consumer affairs to engage in the provision of advice or guidance to employees or other workers who engage in the business of processing complaints from the users or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

(5)The term "dispute resolution measures" as used in paragraph (1), item (ii) means to seek resolution of a dispute with the user through the authorized dispute resolution procedures or any other measures specified by Cabinet Office Order as similar thereto.

Article 63-13A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare and maintain the books of accounts and documents on its cryptoasset exchange business.

Article 63-14(1)A cryptoasset exchange service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare a written report on its cryptoasset exchange business for each business year and submit it to the Prime Minister.

(2)In addition to the written reports specified in the preceding paragraph, a cryptoasset exchange service provider (limited to one who engages in the act set forth in Article 2, paragraph (15), item (iii) or (iv)) must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare a written report on the amount of users' money and the volumes of users' cryptoassets under the management in connection with the cryptoasset exchange services and other particulars concerning the management of these amounts for each period specified by Cabinet Office Order, and submit it to the Prime Minister.

(3)Documents concerning finance, an audit report prepared by a certified public accountant or audit corporation regarding these documents, and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written report referred to in paragraph (1).

(4)Documents proving the amount of users' money and the volumes of users' cryptoassets under the management in connection with the cryptoasset exchange services and other documents specified by Cabinet Office Order must be attached to the written report referred to in paragraph (2).

Article 63-15(1)When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the proper and secure conduct of the cryptoasset exchange service, the Minister may order a cryptoasset exchange service provider to submit reports or materials that will be helpful for understanding its business or property, or have officials enter the business office or other facility of that cryptoasset exchange service provider, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds it particularly necessary for the provision of the cryptoasset exchange service in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a person to whom business has been entrusted by the cryptoasset exchange service provider (including persons to whom the service has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including those under multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of that cryptoasset exchange service provider, or have officials enter the facility of the person to whom business has been entrusted by that cryptoasset exchange service provider, ask questions about the status of its business or the property of that cryptoasset exchange service provider or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by a cryptoasset exchange service provider referred to in the preceding paragraph may refuse the submission of reports or materials, or the questions or inspection referred to in that paragraph if there are reasonable grounds for doing so.

Article 63-16When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of the cryptoasset exchange service in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a cryptoasset exchange service provider to take necessary measures to improve the operation of its business or its financial status or take other measures necessary for the supervision.

Article 63-17(1)If a cryptoasset exchange service provider falls under any of the following items, the Prime Minister may revoke its registration referred to in Article 63-2 or order the cryptoasset exchange service provider to suspend all or part of its cryptoasset exchange service, specifying a period of suspension not exceeding six months:

(2)If the Prime Minister is unable to ascertain the locations of business offices of a cryptoasset exchange service provider or the whereabouts of the company director or executive officer representing the cryptoasset exchange service provider (in cases of a cryptoasset exchange service provider that is a foreign cryptoasset exchange service provider, the representative person in Japan), the Prime Minister, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, may issue public notice of that fact and revoke the registration of the cryptoasset exchange service provider under Article 63-2 if no application is made by the service provider after thirty days have passed since the day of the public notice.

(3)The provisions of Chapter III of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to disposition under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

Article 63-18If the Prime Minister revokes the registration referred to in Article 63-2 pursuant to provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) of the preceding Article or when the registration referred to in Article 63-2 ceases to be effective pursuant to the provisions of Article 63-20, paragraph (2), the Minister must delete the registration.

Article 63-19If the Prime Minister implements a disposition pursuant to the provisions of Article 63-17, paragraph (1) or (2), the Minister must give public notice to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 63-19-2(1)A person who has concluded a contract for the management of cryptoassets with a cryptoasset exchange service provider has the right to receive, in preference over other creditors, payments with regard to a claim for the transfer of cryptoassets that the person holds against the cryptoasset exchange service provider, for the return of the regulated cryptoassets (meaning the cryptoassets of the users of the cryptoasset exchange services that the cryptoasset exchange service provider manages separately from its own cryptoassets pursuant to the provisions of Article 63-11, paragraph (2) and the performance-guarantee cryptoassets).

(2)The provisions of Article 333 of the Civil Code (Act No. 89 of 1896) apply mutatis mutandis to the right referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(3)Particulars necessary for the fulfillment of the right prescribed in paragraph (1) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 63-19-3If a person to whom a cryptoasset exchange service has been entrusted by a cryptoasset exchange service provider or any other related person of the cryptoasset exchange service provider is requested by the Prime Minister to extend their cooperation necessary for the fulfillment of the right referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article pertaining to users' cryptoassets managed by the person in relation to the cryptoasset exchange service provided by the cryptoasset exchange service provider, the person is to endeavor to respond to the request.

Article 63-20(1)If a cryptoasset exchange service provider falls under any of the following items, it must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay:

(2)If a cryptoasset exchange service provider discontinues all of the cryptoasset exchange service, the registration of the cryptoasset exchange service provider referred to in Article 63-2 ceases to be effective. In this case, a person who has been the cryptoasset exchange service provider is deemed to be a cryptoasset exchange service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of obligations borne by the service provider in relation to the exchange of cryptoassets, etc. carried out by it, and returning the users' property under the management relating to the cryptoasset exchange services carried out by it or transferring the property to users.

(3)If a cryptoasset exchange service provider intends to discontinue all or part of the cryptoasset exchange service, to transfer all or part of the cryptoasset exchange service, to implement a merger (limited to a merger in which the cryptoasset exchange service provider disappears), to dissolve for reasons other than a merger or an order to commence bankruptcy proceedings, or to have another service provider succeed all or part of the cryptoasset exchange services due to a company split, it must give public notice to that effect at least thirty days prior to the relevant date and post a notice thereof in a place easily seen by the public at all of its business offices, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

(4)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a cryptoasset exchange service provider must notify the Prime Minister to that effect immediately.

(5)Having given public notice pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) (excluding cases where a cryptoasset exchange service provider has given public notice concerning the succession of the relevant business by way of transfer of business, merger or company split, or for other reasons), it must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the exchange of cryptoassets, etc. carried out in the course of the cryptoasset exchange services that it intends to discontinue, and promptly return the users' property under the management relating to the cryptoasset exchange services or transfer the property to users.

(6)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, paragraph (3) of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where a cryptoasset exchange service provider (excluding a foreign cryptoasset exchange service provider) gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice (meaning electronic public notice specified in Article 2, item (xxxiv) of that Act; the same applies in the following paragraph). In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

(7)The provisions of Article 940, paragraph (1) (limited to the part pertaining to item (i)) and Article 940, paragraph (3), Article 941, Article 946, Article 947, Article 951, paragraph (2), Article 953, and Article 955 of the Companies Act apply mutatis mutandis to cases where a cryptoasset exchange service provider that is a foreign cryptoasset exchange service provider gives public notice under the provisions of paragraph (3) by way of electronic public notice. In this case, any necessary technical replacement of terms is specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 63-21With regard to a cryptoasset exchange service provider, when the registration referred to in Article 63-2 has been revoked pursuant to the provisions of Article 63-17, paragraph (1) or (2) (excluding cases specified by Cabinet Office Order as being less likely to weaken the protection of users of cryptoasset exchange services or hinder the provision of cryptoasset exchange services in a proper and steady manner), the person who has been the cryptoasset exchange service provider must promptly complete the performance of obligations borne by it in relation to the exchange of cryptoassets, etc. carried out by it, and promptly return the users' property under the management relating to the cryptoasset exchange services or transfer the property to users. In this case, the person who has been the cryptoasset exchange service provider is deemed to be a cryptoasset exchange service provider within the scope of the purpose of completing the performance of these obligations, and returning the property or transferring the property to users.

Article 63-22A unregistered foreign cryptoasset exchange service provider referred to in Article 63-2 must not engage in acts of solicitation of a person in Japan set forth in the items of Article 2, paragraph (15).

Article 63-23No person may provide funds transfer transaction analysis services unless the person has obtained a license from the competent minister; provided, however, that this does not apply if the scale and manner of carrying out the services fall under cases specified by order of the competent ministry in consideration of the number of financial institutions, etc. involved in the services (limited to those that entrust a person engaging in funds transfer transaction analysis services to carry out the business involved in any of the acts set forth in the items of Article 2, paragraph (xviii) (hereinafter referred to as "funds transfer transaction analysis business" in this Chapter) in connection with funds transfer transactions carried out thereby), and other particulars.

Article 63-24(1)A person who intends to obtain a license referred to in the preceding Article must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written application for a license containing the following particulars to the competent minister:

(2)The following documents must be attached to the written application for a license referred to in the preceding paragraph:

Article 63-25(1)When an application for a license referred to in Article 63-23 is filed, the competent minister must examine whether the application conforms to the following criteria:

(2)The competent minister must not grant a license when an applicant for a license falls under any of the following items, or a written application for a license or its accompanying documents contain a false statement or lack a statement about important particulars:

Article 63-26A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must not have another person provide the funds transfer transaction analysis services in the name of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider.

Article 63-27(1)A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must not engage in any business other than the funds transfer transaction analysis services and funds transfer transaction analysis-related business (meaning the business specified by order of the competent ministry as business related to funds transfer transaction analysis services; hereinafter the same applies in this Chapter); provided, however, that this does not apply if a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider has obtained, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, the approval from the competent minister for a business that is obviously causing no hindrance to the provision of the funds transfer transaction analysis services in a proper and steady manner by the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider.

(2)Having discontinued the approved business referred to in the proviso to the preceding paragraph, a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must notify the competent minister to that effect pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

Article 63-28(1)A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must not entrust all or part of its funds transfer transaction analysis services to a person other than another funds transfer transaction analysis service provider.

(2)If a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider entrusts (including the case under multi-tier entrustment arrangements; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph, paragraph (2), items (i) and (vi) of the following Article, and Article 63-31, paragraph (3)) all or part of its funds transfer transaction analysis services to another funds transfer transaction analysis service provider or entrusts all or part of its funds transfer transaction analysis-related business to a third party, the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, provide guidance to the other service provider or the third party to whom the relevant services or business has been entrusted and take other measures necessary for ensuring the operation of the services or business in a proper and steady manner.

Article 63-29(1)A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must provide the funds transfer transaction analysis services pursuant to the provisions of its business rules.

(2)The business rules must specify the following particulars:

Article 63-30A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, specify particulars concerning the leakage, loss, or damage of information pertaining to the funds transfer transaction analysis services in business rules, and take other measures necessary for the appropriate management of that information.

Article 63-31(1)A company director, etc. (or, if a company director, etc. is a corporation, a person who is to perform the duties; the same applies in the following paragraph) or an employee of a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, or a person who was formerly in that position must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information learned during the course of their duties relating to the funds transfer transaction analysis services or funds transfer transaction analysis-related business to another person.

(2)A company director, etc. or an employee of a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, or a person who was formerly in that position must not use any information learned during the course of their duties relating to the funds transfer transaction analysis services and funds transfer transaction analysis-related business for any purpose other than using those for the funds transfer transaction analysis services and funds transfer transaction analysis-related business.

(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to a person to whom funds transfer transaction analysis-related business is entrusted from a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider (or, if the person is a corporation; its officers) or the person's employees and other persons who engage in the entrusted business, or persons who were formerly in that position.

Article 63-32When a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider intends to amend the articles of incorporation or business rules, it must obtain the authorization from the competent minister.

Article 63-33(1)When a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider intends to change any of the particulars set forth in Article 63-24, paragraph (1), item (vi) (limited to changes due to its intention to provide a new type of funds transfer transaction analysis services), the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must obtain a license for the change from the competent minister, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry.

(2)When any of the particulars set forth in Article 63-24, paragraph (1), item (ii) (excluding the amount of net assets) or particulars set forth in items (iii) through (v) or item (viii) of that paragraph are changed, a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must notify the competent minister to that effect without delay, and when any of the particulars set forth in item (vi) of that paragraph (excluding changes due to its intention to provide a new type of funds transfer transaction analysis services) are changed, a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must notify the competent minister to that effect in advance.

(3)The provisions of Articles 63-24 and 63-25 apply mutatis mutandis to the license referred to in paragraph (1). In this case, the term the "following particulars" in Article 63-24, paragraph (1) is replaced with the "particulars pertaining to the change".

Article 63-34A funds transfer transaction analysis service provider must, pursuant to the provisions of order of the competent ministry, prepare a written report on its funds transfer transaction analysis services for each business year and submit it to the competent minister.

Article 63-35(1)When the competent minister finds it necessary for the provision of the funds transfer transaction analysis services in a proper and steady manner, the competent minister may order a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, or have officials enter the business office, office or other facility of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the competent minister finds it particularly necessary for the provision of the funds transfer transaction analysis services in a proper and steady manner, the minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a person to whom business has been entrusted (limited to the entrustment of funds transfer transaction analysis-related business and the approved business referred to in the proviso to Article 63-27, paragraph (1); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) by the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider (including persons to whom the business has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, or have officials enter the facility of the person to whom business has been entrusted by the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, ask questions about the status of the business or property of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider referred to in the preceding paragraph may refuse the submission of reports or materials, or the questions or inspection under the provisions of that paragraph if there are reasonable grounds for doing so.

Article 63-36When the competent minister finds it necessary for the provision of funds transfer transaction analysis services in a proper and steady manner, the minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider to take necessary measures to improve the operation of its business or its financial status, or other measures necessary for the supervision.

Article 63-37(1)If a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider falls under any of the items of Article 63-25, paragraph (2), the competent minister may revoke the license referred to in Article 63-23.

(2)When a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider violates this Act or an order under this Act, or a disposition under this Act or the order, the competent minister may revoke the license referred to in Article 63-23 or the approval referred to in the proviso to Article 63-27, paragraph (1), order suspension of all or part of the business of the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider by setting a period not exceeding six months, or order the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider to dismiss its company director, etc.

Article 63-38A resolution of discontinuation of all or part of the funds transfer transaction analysis services of a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider or a resolution of dissolution of a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider does not come into effect without the approval of the competent minister.

Article 63-39When the competent minister intends to reach a disposition under the provisions of Article 63-36 or Article 63-37, paragraph (1) or (2) with regard to a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider that has been entrusted with funds transfer transaction analysis business by the person set forth in the following items, the minister must in advance consult with the minister specified in the respective items according to the categories of persons set forth in the respective items:

Article 63-40(1)If the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has reasonable grounds to suspect that the proper and steady provision of funds transfer transaction analysis services by a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider (limited to one engaging in the act set forth in Article 2, paragraph (18), item (i) in the course of trade) is not ensured, and therefore finds it necessary to take appropriate measures with regard to the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, the relevant minister may state their opinion to that effect to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance.

(2)If the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has reasonable grounds to suspect that the proper and steady provision of funds transfer transaction analysis services by a funds transfer transaction analysis service provider (excluding one engaging in the act set forth in Article 2, paragraph (18), item (i) in the course of trade) is not ensured, and therefore finds it necessary to take appropriate measures with regard to the funds transfer transaction analysis service provider, the relevant minister may state their opinion to that effect to the Prime Minister.

Article 63-41(1)The competent minister in this Chapter is the minister specified in the following items according to the categories of cases set forth therein:

(2)The order of the competent ministry in this Chapter is the order specified in the following items according to the categories of cases set forth therein:

(3)In the case set forth in paragraph (1), item (i), the Prime Minister or the Minister of Finance is not precluded from exercising the authority of the competent minister prescribed in Article 63-35, paragraphs (1) and (2) independently.

(4)If the competent minister exercises the authority independently pursuant to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the minister is to notify the other competent minister of the results thereof promptly.

Article 63-42Beyond what is provided for in this Chapter, particulars necessary for the enforcement of this Chapter are specified by order of the competent ministry.

Article 64(1)No person may provide clearing services for interbank funds transfers unless the person has obtained a license from the Prime Minister.

(2)The provisions of the preceding paragraph do not apply to deposit-taking institutions and the Bank of Japan.

Article 65(1)A person who intends to obtain a license referred to in paragraph (1) of the preceding Article must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, submit a written application for license containing the following particulars to the Prime Minister:

(2)The following documents must be attached to the written application for a license referred to in the preceding paragraph:

Article 66(1)When an application for license referred to in Article 64, paragraph (1) is filed, the Prime Minister must examine whether the application conforms to the following criteria:

(2)The Prime Minister must not grant a license when an applicant for a license falls under any of the following items, or a written application for license or its accompanying documents contain a false statement or lack a statement about important particulars:

Article 67(1)A person falling under any of paragraph (2), item (v), (a) through (e) of the preceding Article may not become a company director, etc.:

(2)When a director, etc. of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer falls under a category of a person prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the company director, etc. loses their position.

(3)When a company director, etc. of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer violates laws and regulations or a disposition under laws and regulations by government agencies, the Prime Minister may order the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer to dismiss the company director, etc.

Article 68(1)The provisions of the proviso to Article 331, paragraph (2) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 335, paragraph (1) of the Companies Act), Article 332, paragraph (2) (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 334, paragraph (1) of that Act), Article 336, paragraph (2), and the proviso to Article 402, paragraph (5) of the Companies Act do not apply to a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer that is a stock company.

(2)With regard to the application of Article 458 of the Companies Act to a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer that is a stock company, the term "three million yen" in that Article are deemed to be replaced with "an amount specified by Cabinet Order which may not be less than three million yen".

Article 69(1)A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must not engage in any business other than the clearing services for interbank funds transfer and business related thereto; provided, however, that this does not apply if a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer has obtained, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, the approval from the Prime Minister for a business that is obviously causing no hindrance to the provision of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer in a proper and steady manner by the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer.

(2)Having discontinued the approved business referred to in the proviso to the preceding paragraph, a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must notify the Prime Minister to that effect pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order.

Article 70(1)A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer may, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, entrust part of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer to a third party with the approval of the Prime Minister.

(2)A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must set the requirements for a contract for the partial entrustment of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer under the provisions of the preceding paragraph that the party to whom business is entrusted must take measures to conduct the business in a proper and steady manner.

Article 71(1)A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must provide the clearing services for interbank funds transfer pursuant to the provisions of its business rules.

(2)The business rules must specify the following particulars:

Article 72A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must prescribe that if any loss is caused by the clearing services for interbank funds transfer, all of the losses are borne by the clearing participant in its business rules and take other measures to ensure appropriate provision of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer.

Article 73(1)If a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer prescribes the methods to perform netting calculations, to apply collateral to payment of obligations, and other payment and settlement methods in its business rules, when a bankruptcy proceeding, rehabilitation proceeding, reorganization proceeding, special liquidation proceeding, or recognition and assistance proceeding has been started against a clearing participant, the method used to determine the amount of claims pertaining to outstanding obligations, etc. held by the clearing institution for interbank funds transferor the clearing participant and other payment and settlement methods used in relation to these proceedings are to be governed by those business rules.

(2)The term "outstanding obligations, etc." as used in the preceding paragraph means obligations borne in the course of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer to a clearing participant by way of assumption, novation, or other means, claims against that clearing participant (limited to those having the same content as those obligations) acquired as consideration for bearing those obligations, and security of those claims.

(3)In bankruptcy proceedings, rehabilitation proceedings or reorganization proceedings, the claims specified in paragraph (1) that a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer has, are bankruptcy claims, rehabilitation claims, or reorganization claims, and the claims specified in paragraph (1) that a clearing participant has, are the properties that belong to the bankruptcy estate, rehabilitation debtor's assets, or the property of the reorganization company, or the property of the reorganization cooperative financial institution.

Article 74(1)A company director, etc. (or, if a company director, etc. is a corporation, a person who is to perform the duties; the same applies in the following paragraph) or an employee of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, or a person who was formerly in that position must not divulge or misappropriate any confidential information learned during the course of their duties relating to the clearing services for interbank funds transfer or other business related thereto to another person.

(2)A company director, etc. or an employee of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, or a person who was formerly in that position must not use any information learned during the course of their duties relating to the clearing services for interbank funds transfer or other business related thereto for any purpose other than using those for the clearing services for interbank funds transfer or other business related thereto.

(3)The provisions of the preceding two paragraphs apply mutatis mutandis to a person to whom business is entrusted pursuant to the provisions of Article 70, paragraph (1) (or, if the person is a corporation; its officers) or the person's employees and other persons who engage in the entrusted business, or persons who were formerly in that position.

Article 75A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must not provide unjust discriminatory treatment to a particular person in relation to the clearing services for interbank funds transfer.

Article 76When a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer intends to amend the articles of incorporation or business rules, it must obtain the authorization from the Prime Minister.

Article 77When any of the particulars set forth in Article 65, paragraph (1), item (ii) are changed (excluding the amount of net assets) or items (iii) through (v) of that paragraph, a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must notify the Prime Minister to that effect without delay.

Article 78A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare and maintain the books and documents on its clearing services for interbank funds transfer.

Article 79A clearing institution for interbank funds transfer must, pursuant to the provisions of Cabinet Office Order, prepare a written report on its clearing services for interbank funds transfer for each business year and submit it to the Prime Minister.

Article 80(1)When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer in a proper and steady manner, the Prime Minister may order that clearing institution for interbank funds transfer to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for its business or property, or have officials enter the business office, office or other facility of the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, ask questions about the status of its business or property or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(2)When the Prime Minister finds it particularly necessary for the provision of the clearing services for interbank funds transfer in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a person to whom business has been entrusted by the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer (including persons to whom the service has been entrusted by the entrusted person (including multi-tier entrustment arrangements); hereinafter the same applies in this Article) to submit reports or materials that can be used as reference for the business or property of the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, or have officials enter the facility of the person to whom business has been entrusted by the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, ask questions about the status of the business or property of the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer or inspect its books and documents or other items.

(3)A person to whom business has been entrusted by a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer referred to in the preceding paragraph may, if there are reasonable grounds, refuse the submission of reports or materials, or the questions or inspection under the provisions of that paragraph.

Article 81When the Prime Minister finds it necessary for the provision of clearing services for interbank funds transfer in a proper and steady manner, the Minister may, to the extent necessary for this, order a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer to take necessary measures to improve the operation of its business or its financial status, or other measures necessary for the supervision.

Article 82(1)If it turned out that a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer already falls under any of the items of Article 66, paragraph (2) when it obtained a license referred to in Article 64, paragraph (1), the Prime Minister may revoke the license referred to in Article 64, paragraph (1).

(2)The Prime Minister may, when a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer violates this Act or an order under this Act, or a disposition under this Act or the order, revoke the license referred to in Article 64, paragraph (1) or the approval referred to in the proviso to Article 69, paragraph (1), order suspension of all or part of the business of the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer by setting a period not exceeding six months, or order the clearing institution for interbank funds transfer to dismiss its company directors, etc.

Article 83A resolution to discontinue the clearing services of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer or a resolution of dissolution of a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer does not come into effect without the approval of the Prime Minister.

Article 84When the Prime Minister finds that maintenance of an orderly financial system may be materially affected by implementing any of the following dispositions on a clearing institution for interbank funds transfer, the Minister must consult with the Minister of Finance about measures necessary for maintaining of an orderly financial system in advance:

Article 85The Prime Minister is to, when implementing any of the following dispositions, promptly notify the Minister of Finance to that effect:

Article 86If the Prime Minister finds it necessary in order to reach a disposition based on the provisions of this Chapter, the Minister may seek the opinion from the Bank of Japan.