SECURED TRANSACTIONS REGISTRY: ACCESS TO INFORMATION, JAPAN’S EXPERIENCE, AND LESSONS FOR VIETNAMESE LAW

Abstract

The registration of secured transactions plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, protecting the rights of third parties, and promoting access to information within a legal framework. Effective secured transaction registries enhance disclosure, allowing stakeholders to verify security interests and mitigate risks. Although Vietnam’s current registration system allows electronic registration, it remains largely manual and traditional, leading to inefficiencies and limited public access to essential transactional data. This study examines Japan’s secured transactions registration system, highlighting its advanced features that facilitate seamless access to information. By conducting a literature review of regulatory frameworks, institutional practices, and scholarly analyses, this research identifies key strengths of Japan’s approach that contribute to legal certainty and commercial efficiency. Findings suggest that Japan’s digitised and centralised registration model significantly improves accessibility, reduces administrative burdens, and strengthens enforcement mechanisms. In contrast, Vietnam's reliance on a fragmented and paper-based system hinders effective information dissemination and transaction security. By drawing lessons from Japan’s experience, this study provides policy recommendations for modernising Vietnam’s registry framework. A more efficient and accessible secured transactions registry would enhance transparency, support economic development, and align Vietnam’s legal infrastructure with global best practices.