EquitiesTokyo aims to raise more unicorns by promoting secondary marketJapan's Financial Services Agency has registered Smartround Securities as a brokerage for secondary market trading of unlisted shares. (Source photos by Nikkei)YUI USUIAugust 22, 2026 01:21 JSTTOKYO -- A subsidiary of Japanese startup Smartround has been registered as a securities company, part of government efforts to increase flexibility in trading unlisted stocks.Read NextMarketsGlobal investors use 'perp' bets to chase China tech stocks like UnitreeEquitiesForeign ownership of Japan stocks hits new record on AI boomSemiconductorsSamsung's record $79bn shareholder return reflects AI boom pressureMarketsIndonesia to scrap 50 rupiah minimum price for listed stocksCryptocurrenciesJapan's MUFG to launch instant JGB transactions via blockchainTrading AsiaIndonesia's IPO market stalls as quality reforms deter potential issuersFinanceWebull to offer commission-free trades of US stocks in JapanLatest on EquitiesEquitiesForeign ownership of Japan stocks hits new record on AI boomEquitiesSoftBank comes out ahead in Japan Inc.'s race for retail investorsEquitiesAI-related trades push Japan stock volatility to 18-year high
Japan greenlights new trading platform for unlisted shares
Tokyo aims to raise more unicorns by promoting secondary market
Japan's Financial Services Agency registered Smartround Securities to trade unlisted shares via the EquitiesTokyo platform. This regulatory shift enables secondary liquidity for pre-exit startups, strengthening Japan's ability to nurture and retain unicorns.










