Hideto Hoshina Appointed as Board Member of Japan's Financial Crime Prevention Association

ELEMENTS Group's Liquid COO Takes on New Role in Financial Crime Prevention

In a significant development for the financial technology sector, Hideto Hoshina, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Liquid, a subsidiary of ELEMENTS Group, has recently been appointed as a board member of the Japan Financial Crime Prevention Association. This strategic move underscores Liquid's commitment to combating financial crime and enhancing the security of digital transactions in Japan.

Strengthening Financial Security Measures

Liquid has been at the forefront of online identity verification, boasting a seven-year streak as the leading provider in the eKYC market. With services like "LIQUID eKYC"—a fully online identity verification system—and innovations such as the "LIQUID Auth Face" for facial recognition and "LIQUID Auth Passkey" that utilizes security keys, Liquid has made substantial contributions to preventing internet-based financial crimes. These services have become essential tools for banks and online services, improving both security and user experience.

The rapid increase in financial crimes, as documented by the Financial Services Agency, which reported over 17,000 instances of unauthorized access in internet transactions in 2025, highlights the need for robust protective measures. As fraud attempts grow more sophisticated, organizations like Liquid and the Japan Financial Crime Prevention Association recognize that collaboration is vital in addressing these challenges effectively.

Hoshina's Commitment to Collaboration

Reflecting on his new role, Hoshina emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge among financial institutions and other stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape of financial crime. With Liquid's expertise in fraud detection and prevention, Hoshina aims to contribute to the creation of a secure digital society where consumers can transact confidently.

The association, formed by a coalition of experts, including academics, lawyers, and financial professionals, engages in research and knowledge exchange to combat financial crimes collectively. This initiative is particularly crucial, as financial crime tactics become increasingly advanced. Hoshina’s role could facilitate better information sharing and coordinate responses among diverse institutions, which is essential to outsmart increasingly cunning criminals.

Key Achievements and Innovations by Liquid

As of July 2026, Liquid has verified over 150 million identities across various industries, partnering with more than 700 companies. The increasing demand for secure online services has led to the advancement of technology in this sector, with Liquid continuously evolving its offerings. For instance, Liquid's facial recognition technology, "LIQUID Auth Face," provides a high level of security for online banking and e-commerce transactions while helping to mitigate risks associated with phishing and SIM swap scams.

Additionally, the company has made impressive strides in obtaining international security certifications, such as the ISO/IEC 30107, which which pertains to biometric security standards. This enhances its credibility and reaffirms its status as an industry leader.

The Future of Digital Transactions

On a broader scale, Liquid is not only focused on reducing fraud but also aims to create a seamless and secure digital transaction environment. With the increasing complexity of regulations surrounding identity verification, Liquid’s innovations in biometric technology and commitment to compliance place them ahead of many competitors.

As part of Japan's Financial Crime Prevention Association, Hoshina and Liquid aim to pool resources and insights from various sectors to build a more resilient defense against financial crime. This collaboration marks a decisive step towards fortifying the country's digital landscape in an era where online transactions are integral to economic activity.

Conclusion

Hideto Hoshina’s appointment to the board of the Japan Financial Crime Prevention Association signals a pivotal alignment of efforts in the fight against financial crime. As he steps into this new role, his leadership at Liquid, coupled with collaborative initiatives in the association, are expected to enhance security measures that protect consumers and businesses across Japan's dynamic financial landscape. As technology evolves, so too must the strategies to secure it, making Hoshina’s contribution crucial for the ongoing battle against fraud.