Expectations for a Bank of Japan rate hike in June are rising as calls for further increases grow within the central bank despite a hold at 0.75 percent. The yen strengthened and bitcoin weakened against the yen. Markets are watching the currency because the yen has served as a global funding currency for carry trades into higher-yielding assets. Some see no clear signs yet of carry trade unwinds.

Shinhan Bank said on Sunday it is running an event from April 20 offering a 100 percent exchange rate discount to small and medium-sized companies and sole proprietor customers when they receive trade remittances. The bank said the program is aimed at easing financial burdens and improving convenience for customers newly starting trade transactions or with no recent foreign exchange remittance history at Shinhan Bank. The event runs through Oct. 19 and applies to 23 currencies.