What did Oki Matsumoto say on February 28?

He publicly stated he regrets past meetings with Jeffrey Epstein. The comment places leadership judgment and controls in focus. For investors, the key is whether management follows with clear steps, dated timelines, and third-party checks that turn a statement into sustained trust and lower uncertainty.

Could regulators penalize Monex over this?

Penalties depend on facts found. Regulators could ask for information on controls, conflicts, and oversight, but requests do not imply misconduct. If management shows strong processes and swift, transparent updates, the issue may remain a reputational matter without material regulatory outcomes. Monitor disclosures for any changes.

How might this affect clients in Japan?

Reputation matters in Japan. Some clients may pause new funding or shift activity if updates lack detail. Clear communication, service reliability, and independent reviews can limit churn. If KPIs like net new accounts and assets under custody hold steady, the business impact is likely contained to sentiment.

What should investors monitor next?

Track net new accounts, client churn, activity by product, and assets under custody. Review governance disclosures for timelines and named responsibilities. Look for third-party assessments, partner statements, and any regulatory queries. Consistent KPIs and specific board updates indicate stabilizing trust and a lower chance of earnings impact.

Global Market Insights

Monex CEO Oki Matsumoto on February 28: “I Regret Meeting Epstein”

ByDanny Kontos February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

Oki Matsumoto, Monex CEO, said on February 28 he regrets meeting Jeffrey Epstein, putting the brokerage under a reputational and governance spotlight. For investors in Japan, the key questions are client trust, potential regulatory attention, and any near-term impact on valuation. We explain what matters now, where risks could surface, and the practical metrics to watch. Our goal is to help retail investors judge whether sentiment pressure fades or if corporate governance risk lingers into the next quarter.