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Former Bank of Japan member: The Bank of Japan's interest rate hike window is shrinking Sayuri Shirai, a former member of the Bank of Japan's board, said that if the bank wants to raise interest rates further, it may need to do so within this year, otherwise the window will close. Japan's weak domestic demand makes it difficult to raise interest rates, and if inflation falls below the central bank's 2% target, rate hikes will be more difficult to push forward. "The Bank of Japan may want to normalize policy as soon as possible, even if it can only slightly correct the excessive depreciation of the yen," she said. "But Japan's economy is too weak, and fragile domestic demand is incompatible with the path of rate hikes." Although Japan's wage growth shows positive signs, continued inflation is suppressing household spending. The latest government data showed that private consumption was flat in January-March. The central bank expects consumer inflation to slow to below 2% in the next fiscal year starting in April 2026 and beyond, which Shirai believes will complicate further rate hike decisions. Growth headwinds are also intensifying. Japan faces the risk of a technical recession after its economy shrank in the first quarter, and exports to the United States fell for the first time in four months in April, highlighting the impact of high tariffs. (Jinshi)

Can someone tell me how Bank of Japan can save the economy without kicking the can down the road by printing a huge load of fiat?

SoftBank increases AI investment with $15 billion syndicated loan SoftBank Group will use a loan led by Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and JPMorgan Chase to finance its artificial intelligence investments, showing SoftBank's ability to obtain funds for its grand ambitions. According to sources, the one-year $15 billion bridge loan is one of SoftBank's largest financings to date and will be funded by 21 banks, including $1.35 billion from Mizuho Bank, $1.25 billion from SMBC and $1 billion from JPMorgan Chase. In addition, HSBC and Barclays Bank contributed a total of $950 million, and seven banks including Goldman Sachs Group and Mitsubishi UFJ jointly contributed $850 million. The funds will help SoftBank's multi-year plan to try to influence the development of artificial intelligence. Chief Financial Officer Yoshimitsu Goto revealed at last week's earnings conference that the first agenda includes the acquisition of chip design company Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion and an investment of up to $30 billion in OpenAI. (Jinshi)

BOK governor to discuss CBDC and stablecoins with major bank heads Bank of Korea (BOK) Governor Rhee Chang-yong is set to expand discussions on central bank digital currency (CBDC) with the heads of six major South Korean banks, according to local news outlet Financial News. At

JPMorgan is set to allow its clients to buy Bitcoin and gain access to spot Bitcoin ETFs, according to statements made by CEO Jamie Dimon during the company’s annual investor day. The development marks a significant pivot for the largest U.S. bank, especially given Dimon’s long-standing public criticism of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general. Speaking with CNBC , Dimon confirmed that while the bank itself will not custody Bitcoin, clients will soon see their Bitcoin holdings reflected in their JPMorgan account statements. This passive facilitation opens the door for broader exposure to crypto assets through the bank, without JPMorgan taking direct custody or assuming liability. “We’re not going to custody it,” Dimon said. “But I defend your right to buy Bitcoin.” While Dimon’s stance on Bitcoin’s legitimacy remains unchanged—he reiterated concerns about its use in money laundering, terrorism, and sex trafficking—he acknowledged the market demand and clients’ rights to access digital assets. Sources close to the matter revealed to CNBC that JPMorgan plans to offer access to spot Bitcoin ETFs, including popular products like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust . This aligns JPMorgan with competitors such as Morgan Stanley, who already enable qualified clients to access these regulated investment vehicles. Until now, JPMorgan’s crypto exposure was limited to futures-based products, often viewed as less efficient compared to direct or ETF-based exposure. The upcoming shift signals that crypto adoption within institutional finance is not just growing—it’s accelerating. Jamie Dimon’s history with Bitcoin is complicated. Though he often publicly bashes Bitcoin as a “pet rock” and a tool for criminals, JPMorgan has nonetheless increased its involvement in blockchain and digital asset infrastructure: Yet despite this rhetoric, JPMorgan is listed as an authorized participant in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, a clear contradiction to Dimon’s personal opinions. This move by JPMorgan could further legitimize Bitcoin ETFs and drive more institutional inflows into the crypto market. Even if reluctantly, Wall Street giants are increasingly making room for digital assets, following client demand and competitive pressure. While Jamie Dimon’s skepticism remains firm, JPMorgan’s latest steps are undeniably bullish for the broader crypto industry. With one of the biggest banks in the world acknowledging Bitcoin in client portfolios, mainstream adoption is no longer a question of if—but when. JPMorgan is set to allow its clients to buy Bitcoin and gain access to spot Bitcoin ETFs, according to statements made by CEO Jamie Dimon during the company’s annual investor day. The development marks a significant pivot for the largest U.S. bank, especially given Dimon’s long-standing public criticism of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general. Speaking with CNBC , Dimon confirmed that while the bank itself will not custody Bitcoin, clients will soon see their Bitcoin holdings reflected in their JPMorgan account statements. This passive facilitation opens the door for broader exposure to crypto assets through the bank, without JPMorgan taking direct custody or assuming liability. “We’re not going to custody it,” Dimon said. “But I defend your right to buy Bitcoin.” While Dimon’s stance on Bitcoin’s legitimacy remains unchanged—he reiterated concerns about its use in money laundering, terrorism, and sex trafficking—he acknowledged the market demand and clients’ rights to access digital assets. Sources close to the matter revealed to CNBC that JPMorgan plans to offer access to spot Bitcoin ETFs, including popular products like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust . This aligns JPMorgan with competitors such as Morgan Stanley, who already enable qualified clients to access these regulated investment vehicles. Until now, JPMorgan’s crypto exposure was limited to futures-based products, often viewed as less efficient compared to direct or ETF-based exposure. The upcoming shift signals that crypto adoption within institutional finance is not just growing—it’s accelerating. Jamie Dimon’s history with Bitcoin is complicated. Though he often publicly bashes Bitcoin as a “pet rock” and a tool for criminals, JPMorgan has nonetheless increased its involvement in blockchain and digital asset infrastructure: Yet despite this rhetoric, JPMorgan is listed as an authorized participant in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, a clear contradiction to Dimon’s personal opinions. This move by JPMorgan could further legitimize Bitcoin ETFs and drive more institutional inflows into the crypto market. Even if reluctantly, Wall Street giants are increasingly making room for digital assets, following client demand and competitive pressure. While Jamie Dimon’s skepticism remains firm, JPMorgan’s latest steps are undeniably bullish for the broader crypto industry. With one of the biggest banks in the world acknowledging Bitcoin in client portfolios, mainstream adoption is no longer a question of if—but when.