Japan Bankers Association Warns Rising Bond Yields Could Hurt Bank Profits

Japan's main banking industry group warned that government bond yields could continue to rise, creating risks of asset write-downs and weaker profits. According to Sina Finance, Japan Bankers Association President Masahiko Kato said at a Thursday news conference that continued increases in Japanese government bond yields could lead to asset impairment and actual losses. Kato said banks may wait to add more Japanese government bonds until the yield outlook becomes clearer and policy rates reach a peak. Japan's financial regulator chief said this month that he is closely watching whether banks are properly managing risks from rising interest rates across bond holdings, corporate lending, and ultra-long mortgage loans.