The Japanese Financial Services Authority (FSA) earlier this month hosted a closed-door round-table for financial regulators, central banks, and representatives from academic institutions from a number of countries, a press release published on Monday revealed.

The conference, which was held March 8th and 9th, covered a wide range of topics surrounding Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned). In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data, making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamp Read this Term technology, including the “potential of blockchain,” "standardization initiatives by [the] International Organization for Standards," and "technical risks and opportunities around blockchain."

The FSA press release said the conference was held in accordance with a “Multilateral Joint Research” project initiative on the blockchain technology. The project was facilitated by Japan’s growth strategy in 2017 and by the strategic direction and priorities of the FSA in 2017-2018, aiming to lead international studies on blockchain-related issues.

“The roundtable meeting especially highlights the inherent technical risks and opportunities around blockchain," the FSA statement read. "As a part of this initiative, JFSA currently conducts a study on the vulnerability issues of public-blockchain and relevant security issues and its impacts from technical perspectives.”

'Strengthening collaboration'

"Among others, the round-table is held to contribute to strengthening collaboration with academia and regulatory bodies that have established or will establish Fintech Fintech Financial Technology (fintech) is defined as ay technology that is geared towards automating and enhancing the delivery and application of financial services. The origin of the term fintechs can be traced back to the 1990s where it was primarily used as a back-end system technology for renowned financial institutions. However, it has since grown outside the business sector with an increased focus upon consumer services.What Purpose Do Fintechs Serve?The main purpose of fintechs would be to suppl Financial Technology (fintech) is defined as ay technology that is geared towards automating and enhancing the delivery and application of financial services. The origin of the term fintechs can be traced back to the 1990s where it was primarily used as a back-end system technology for renowned financial institutions. However, it has since grown outside the business sector with an increased focus upon consumer services.What Purpose Do Fintechs Serve?The main purpose of fintechs would be to suppl Read this Term Co-operation Framework as well as central banks," the announcement added.

Attendees represented a wide range of institutions, including the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Australian Securities Investments Commission, the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the French central bank's Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of Canada, MIT Media Lab, and the University of Tokyo.

Though specifics of the conference remain under wraps, the FSA will release selected details to the public when agreed upon by all participants, according to the announcement.