[Japanese Financial Services Agency Requires Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Other Institutions to Cease Using ID Images for Identity Verification Ahead of Schedule] Deep Tide TechFlow reports, on October 9, according to NADA NEWS, the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) has requested financial institutions, including cryptocurrency exchanges, to promptly stop using ID images such as driver's licenses for identity verification (KYC) and transition to a new verification method that reads integrated circuit (IC) chip information via smart devices. Although the traditional image-based verification method was originally scheduled to be discontinued on April 1, 2027, due to the recent surge in unauthorized access targeting customer and business systems, leading to personal data breaches, the FSA has urged relevant institutions to accelerate the transition without waiting for the official implementation date. The new IC chip verification method will cross-check the information stored within the chip (including name, address, date of birth, and photo) with the applicant's facial image. Additionally, the FSA has requested related companies to comprehensively review identity verification processes, risk management for external contractors, and mechanisms to counter cyberattacks, aiming to strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) measures and fraud prevention.