Bitcoin News Today: Bakkt Acquires 30% Stake in Japan’s Marusho Hotta to Launch bitcoin.jp

Bakkt Holdings has taken a major step in its global Bitcoin treasury initiative by acquiring a 30% stake in Japan’s Marusho Hotta, a publicly traded company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The deal, pending shareholder approval, marks Bakkt as the firm’s largest shareholder, with the company set to be rebranded as bitcoin.jp. This transformation will see the firm fully transition into a cryptocurrency-focused entity, integrating Bitcoin into its official investment strategy and operations [1]. Bakkt International President Phillip Lord will step into the role of CEO at the rebranded firm, signaling a strategic shift toward deepening institutional involvement in digital assets [2].

The rebranding represents more than a name change; it reflects a full-scale corporate overhaul. The newly rebranded bitcoin.jp is expected to operate with Bitcoin at the center of its financial strategy, a move that aligns with the increasing acceptance of digital assets in corporate treasury management. Japan has long been recognized for its advanced fintech infrastructure and relatively clear regulatory environment, making it an ideal location for Bakkt’s expansion into Asia [3].

This acquisition is also a continuation of Bakkt’s broader ambitions in the crypto space. In June, the company announced plans to raise up to $1 billion for digital asset investments, with a $75 million initial public offering in July intended to fund initial Bitcoin purchases. However, the stock experienced a dip following the announcement, indicating market skepticism or volatility in the sector [4].

Akshay Naheta, one of Bakkt’s co-CEOs, emphasized the strategic importance of Japan in the firm’s global crypto vision. He noted the country’s regulatory clarity as a significant advantage for long-term growth, enabling the company to establish a stable and scalable foundation for its operations [5]. The restructuring of Marusho Hotta is expected to accelerate the adoption of Bitcoin as a legitimate corporate asset, particularly in markets where institutional adoption remains in early stages.

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the reported valuation is estimated at $235 million, positioning Bakkt as a key player in Asia’s growing Bitcoin ecosystem [6]. This move highlights the rising institutional interest in crypto, with companies increasingly viewing digital assets as tools for diversification and risk mitigation amid traditional market fluctuations.

Phillip Lord’s leadership will be crucial in executing Bakkt’s vision. As CEO, he is tasked with overseeing the integration of Bitcoin across various company functions, including treasury management and institutional-grade custody solutions [7]. His background and experience in international markets are expected to provide valuable direction as the firm expands its operations globally.

The acquisition of Marusho Hotta is not just a financial investment but a strategic alignment with the growing demand for institutional-grade crypto services. By establishing a foothold in Japan, Bakkt is positioning itself to influence future trends in corporate Bitcoin adoption while leveraging the region’s mature fintech environment [8]. This partnership could serve as a model for future international collaborations, enabling the firm to scale its Bitcoin treasury strategy across diverse markets.

The move also reflects a broader trend of cross-border mergers and acquisitions in the crypto sector. As firms seek to expand their geographic presence and technological capabilities, strategic partnerships like the one between Bakkt and Marusho Hotta are likely to become more common [9].

Overall, the rebranding of Marusho Hotta as bitcoin.jp under Bakkt’s leadership represents a significant milestone in the institutionalization of Bitcoin. It signals the growing acceptance of digital assets as core components of corporate financial strategies, particularly in regions with favorable regulatory conditions [10]. As Bakkt continues to build its global Bitcoin treasury model, the success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the future of crypto in institutional finance.

Source:

[1] CoinDesk

[2] Coindoo

[3] AInvest

[4] CoinCentral

[5] MarketScreener

[6] CoinCentral

[7] Business Wire

[8] CoinDesk

[9] AInvest

[10] MarketScreener