Japan weighs allowing mutual funds to invest more in unlisted companies

Framework provides retail investors wider access to startups, adds safeguards

The government aims to draw more retail investor money into private assets. (Photo by Rie Ishii)

KODAI MIHARA and YUKI NAKAMURA

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is considering establishing a framework under which mutual funds can make greater investments in private assets such as unlisted stocks, Nikkei has learned, paving the way for inflows from retail investors to spur startup growth.