JPX Monthly Headlines

JPX group companies undertake various initiatives and disseminate information with the aim of providing the most attractive markets to all users.
Every month, we showcase the highlights of these efforts in short and concise summaries just for you.

September

Aug. 30: JPX Research and Analysis on Applicability of Blockchain or Distributed Ledger Technology to Capital Market Infrastructure

JPX conducted proof of concept tests for blockchain or distributed ledger technology (blockchain/DLT) from Apr. to Jun. 2016. If we look at blockchain/DLT as infrastructure, it is extremely attractive in terms of high availability, impossibility of falsification, easiness of data recovery at the time of system failure, and relatively low costs. We have found that, while there are some issues to address, if blockchain/DLT is applied to the financial market infrastructure, it can contribute to, among others, the creation of new businesses, streamlining of business operations, and cost reductions. Its application also has the potential of drastically transforming the structure of financial business. We compiled our findings in a JPX working paper, which was published on Aug. 30, 2016. JPX will continue working on the utilization of blockchain/DLT.

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Sep. 13: Listed Companies' Response to Corporate Governance Code –Approx. 20% in Full Compliance

TSE compiled data on how listed companies have addressed the Corporate Governance Code as of Jul. 2016.
The results indicate that 21.0% (+9.4 points from the previous year) of companies listed on the TSE 1st & 2nd Sections claim full compliance with all of the code principles. Also, 84.5% (+6.5 points from the previous year) of the companies claim compliance with more than 90% of all 73 code principles.

In addition, for the purpose of further improving corporate governance of all the listed companies, TSE and the Financial Services Agency have jointly established the Council of Experts Concerning the Follow-up of Japan's Stewardship Code and Japan's Corporate Governance Code. At the latest meeting held on Sep. 23, 2016, the council discussed the issue of constructive dialogue between companies and institutional investors.

Sep. 20: Now Providing J-GATE, clearing system, Target, etc. to Tokyo Commodity Exchange, Inc. (TOCOM)

OSE began providing multiple JPX systems to TOCOM, such as derivatives trading system J-GATE, on Sep. 20, 2016. OSE President & CEO, Mr. Yamaji attended the commemorative ceremony pertaining to the launch of TOCOM's new systems. Now that TOCOM and JPX are sharing important systems, including the trading system, JPX is planning to promote activities that lead to promoting and developing their markets, via co-marketing, joint promotions, and other engagements with TOCOM.

Sep. 26: Candidates Finalized for 5th Corporate Value Improvement Awards

TSE presents the Corporate Value Improvement Awards to listed companies that have implemented management deemed to improve corporate value through initiatives that consider investor concerns. On Sep. 26, 2016, 50 companies (44 from the 1st Section, 1 from the 2nd Section, and 5 from JASDAQ) were selected for the first-round screening of the 5th Corporate Value Improvement Awards. The winners will be announced in Jan. 2017. On Sep. 12, 2016, JPX also conducted a seminar on corporate value improvement management for executives of listed companies.

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Sep. 23: Strengthening Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

Group CEO Kiyota announced at the regular press conference on Sep. 23, 2016 that JPX would strengthen its BCP to resume trading in equities and derivatives while stably providing services as soon as possible when a disaster strikes the greater Tokyo or Osaka areas. JPX will establish a new structure this fiscal year to enable the Osaka office to take over Tokyo operations in the event the Tokyo office is damaged, and vice versa, by promoting cooperative relationships between staff at both offices, such that they may gain mutual familiarity with operations at each office. (Establishment of the new structure at the operation units is scheduled to be completed this fiscal year and next fiscal year at the system units.)

Aug. 1–Sep. 30: JPX Kitahama Festa 2016

To celebrate the extension of trading hours at OSE, OSE held "JPX Kitahama Festa 2016" from Aug. 1 to Sep. 30. During the festival, many visitors were drawn to a number of events, including the nighttime illumination of the old market building, panel displays about the night session, evening tours of OSE, and seminars on finance and securities.