Japan’s Financial Services Agency Proposes Amendment for DAOs
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has put forward a new amendment to clarify the legal framework surrounding decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The proposed amendment aims to grant a specific token called the “Limited Company Type DAO Employee Rights Token” the same treatment as regular limited liability company (LLC) member rights. This move is intended to ease regulations on employee rights in tokenized LLCs and streamline the operations of DAOs. The FSA is currently seeking public comments on the proposed amendment before it is promulgated and implemented, providing a more defined legal status for DAOs in Japan.
The Need for Clarity and Legal Status
DAOs, which use blockchain technology and communication tools, have become popular for community management. However, their lack of clear legal status poses risks and hinders their formation and operation. Having a well-defined legal status would enhance trust and facilitate smoother transactions for DAOs in their external activities. While creating new laws specifically for DAOs is time-consuming, utilizing existing legal forms can offer a practical approach to clarify their legal position and promote their use.
Japan’s Efforts in Developing DAO Regulations
Last year, the Liberal Democratic Party’s Digital Society Promotion Headquarters and the web3 project team conducted a “DAO Rulemaking Hackathon” to develop a legal framework for limited liability company-type DAOs. They received issues and requests from various companies, organizations, and investors, which were then submitted as recommendations to the Minister of Finance. Additionally, the National Tax Agency revised its law to exempt crypto token issuers from 30% corporate taxes on unrealized gains, aiming to boost Japan’s blockchain and crypto sectors.
Hot Take: Streamlining DAO Operations in Japan
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is taking steps to facilitate the development of DAOs by proposing an amendment to clarify their legal framework. By granting specific tokens the same treatment as regular limited liability company member rights, the FSA aims to ease regulations on employee rights and streamline DAO operations. This move is expected to provide a more defined legal status for DAOs in Japan, enhancing trust and facilitating smoother transactions. Alongside these efforts, Japan has conducted a DAO Rulemaking Hackathon and revised tax laws to support its blockchain and crypto sectors. These developments highlight Japan’s commitment to embracing decentralized technologies and promoting innovation in the crypto space.