Japan to trial real-time stock, bond settlements with blockchain tech

FinanceGovernment, central bank to launch framework for next-gen payment infrastructureThe Bank of Japan and other agencies look to launch the new settlement system within the next few years. (Photo by Nanami Sato)SHIKO UEDA and KOSUKE TAKEUCHIAugust 26, 2026 02:00 JSTTOKYO -- Japan is set to begin work on a next-generation payment infrastructure, with an initial goal of enabling the instantaneous settlement of transactions in stocks and Japanese government bonds at any time of day using blockchain technology, Nikkei has learned.