zaif

Zaif is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Japan. It was founded in 2014 by Tech Bureau Corp., a Japanese fintech company, and operated as one of the country’s active trading platforms. The exchange offered spot trading in Bitcoin and a range of altcoins, along with wallet services for user-held funds.

In 2018, Zaif suffered a major security breach in which funds were stolen from hot wallets, resulting in significant losses for customers. The incident led Tech Bureau to pursue civil rehabilitation procedures under Japanese law, and Zaif’s assets were placed for sale to address customer claims. The event drew regulatory attention and highlighted concerns about exchange security and user protection in Japan.

Fisco, a Japanese IT and financial services group, acquired Zaif’s assets from Tech Bureau later in 2018, with the transaction finalized in 2019. The acquisition included the Zaif exchange platform and related wallet holdings. Fisco pledged to compensate affected users and to integrate Zaif into its broader digital asset activities, continuing the platform under the Fisco umbrella.

Current operations and regulation: Zaif operates within the Fisco Digital Asset Group and maintains registration with the Japanese Financial Services Agency as a cryptocurrency exchange, adhering to local regulatory requirements. The platform continues to offer spot trading across a selection of cryptocurrencies and to provide services aligned with Japan’s regulatory framework, including ongoing security and customer-protection efforts.