Key Takeaways:
SBI Group plans to introduce financial products linked to XRP on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, targeting $32 billion in assets under management within three years of launch and signaling a major step in crypto’s integration into Japan’s mainstream financial markets.
The move, reported as part of the firm’s strategic planning, would make XRP-based securities directly accessible to retail and institutional investors through traditional brokerage accounts. "The development follows a major regulatory shift in Japan," a recent Nikkei report highlighted, referencing the government's decision to bring crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
SBI’s plan would allow investors to gain exposure to XRP without setting up specialized crypto exchange accounts or managing self-custody wallets. The $32 billion AUM target represents a significant capital inflow goal, underscoring the firm's confidence in demand for regulated crypto products. The group intends to manage the full product chain internally through its subsidiary, SBI Global Asset Management.
This initiative could unlock a substantial new wave of capital for XRP by bridging the gap between digital assets and Japan’s established investment infrastructure. The key remaining hurdle is final regulatory approval from the Financial Services Agency, a process being watched closely by competitors like Rakuten Group and Nomura Holdings, which are developing similar offerings.
Japan’s reclassification of crypto assets as financial instruments places them under the same legal umbrella as stocks and bonds, a move designed to enhance investor protection and provide a clear compliance framework for large institutions. This regulatory clarity is the primary driver behind the recent push by major brokerages into the digital asset space. A survey found that at least 11 other financial firms are considering similar crypto investment products but are waiting for final rules to be established.
SBI has long been an active player in the digital asset sector, with investments in exchanges and blockchain technology. By developing its own investment trusts, the firm gains direct control over product design, fees, and compliance, positioning it to compete aggressively once the market officially opens. Rakuten Securities is pursuing a similar in-house strategy, working with Rakuten Investment Management to develop products accessible through its popular smartphone apps.
The successful launch of these products by firms like SBI and Rakuten would set a critical precedent for the Japanese market. It would likely accelerate the launch of competing funds and could pave the way for spot crypto ETFs, which the country is reportedly considering for as early as 2028. For now, all eyes are on the regulators, whose approval timeline will determine when these new products can officially launch.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
