SBI Holdings to Launch Japan’s First Bitcoin and XRP Investment Funds

Highlights:

• SBI plans to launch Bitcoin and XRP ETFs on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to meet growing institutional demand.
• Japan may reclassify crypto assets under existing financial laws, allowing crypto ETFs to enter public markets.
• SBI links its ETF plans with Ripple as it expands XRP use and expects a Ripple IPO within the next two years.

SBI Holdings has revealed plans to introduce two exchange-traded funds focused on digital assets. The announcement came through the company’s second-quarter 2025 financial results. One fund will offer direct exposure to XRP and Bitcoin, while the second will combine Bitcoin and physical gold. SBI named the products the Crypto Asset ETF and the Digital Gold Crypto ETF.

#SBI HOLDINGS FILES FOR JAPAN’S FIRST $BTC $XRP DUAL #ETF 🇯🇵

Japan’s 🇯🇵#SBI just submitted two #ETF proposals to the FSA:

– Crypto Assets #ETF :
Direct exposure to #Bitcoin and $XRP

-Digital Gold Crypto #ETF:
A hybrid fund combining gold (50%+) with crypto (BTC & XRP) pic.twitter.com/cIWIrMvDfM

— XRP Update (@XrpUdate) August 6, 2025

The company intends to list both funds on the Tokyo Stock Exchange after receiving the necessary approval. SBI has not disclosed the specific asset allocations in the Crypto Asset ETF. However, the firm emphasized that it will provide direct investment exposure to the two cryptocurrencies. In contrast, the Digital Gold Crypto ETF will allocate over 51% of its value to physical gold. The rest of the fund will invest in Franklin Templeton’s Bitcoin ETF (EZBC), creating a diversified option for investors.

SBI seeks to cater to increased institutional demand in Asia and North America through these products. The company is also gaining more ground in the digital asset market by providing tools that resonate with investor interest. This comes as part of an accelerating global trend of digital asset investments and is a significant development for the Japanese market.

Japan Reviews Legal Shift as SBI Holdings Plans to Launch Investment Funds

The Financial Services Agency is in the process of revising amendments that may reclassify some digital assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This change can enable the acceptance of crypto assets as regular financial products. This move may pave the way to additional investment opportunities, such as crypto-related ETFs. According to crypto researcher Matt Mena, if the planned ETFs mirror those of the United States, it would add to massive inflows.

This is a major milestone for crypto adoption – Japan is a top global market for ETFs, and SBI’s involvement adds real credibility. If this mirrors the U.S. ETF effect, we could see serious inflows. Chart below shows the scale: $15 trillion YoY. This could just be the start. pic.twitter.com/wOGz732g0v

— Matt Mena (@MattMena__) August 6, 2025

SBI appears to be preparing for these possible changes through its ETF proposals. Although the company has not confirmed any formal filings, it stated that the products will launch after obtaining official permission.

At the same time, Japan still recognizes crypto as a form of payment under the Payment Services Act. The possible update in the financial laws could help define how crypto investment tools operate in the country. Earlier this year, the Financial Services Agency released a paper outlining the proposed changes. The document highlighted the importance of placing digital assets under existing financial rules. If implemented, the revised framework could make it easier to offer crypto-based products in Japan’s public markets.

Meanwhile, SBI continues to expand its use of Ripple technology. The company pays in XRP across international borders and has begun to use Ripple stablecoin, RLUSD, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar. These developments indicate an aggressive stance of SBI in driving the adoption of digital assets throughout its financial services.

Crypto ETFs Highlight Ripple’s Role in SBI’s Investment Strategy

SBI holds a 9% equity stake in Ripple and expects the company to go public within two years. The financial group views Ripple as a strategic component of its long-term strategy and growth perspective. The total investment balance of SBI has multiplied 2.8 times over the last five years and currently sits at 795.1 billion yen. The Digital Gold Crypto ETF is a mixed product that offers traditional and digital exposure to its investors. The fund is diversified in that, by using the two physical assets, gold and Bitcoin, individuals may find stability and growth.