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

Bakkt Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BKKT) has acquired a 30% stake in Tokyo-listed Marusho Hotta Co., Ltd. (TSE: 8105), taking the position of its largest shareholder. The transaction involves a strategic rebranding of the company to “Bitcoin.jp” following shareholder approval. This move is aligned with Bakkt’s broader mission to transition into a Bitcoin-focused treasury firm, leveraging Japan’s favorable regulatory landscape. Under the agreement, Phillip Lord, President of Bakkt International, will assume the role of CEO of the rebranded entity [1].

The rebranding and operational shift include the integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into Marusho Hotta’s corporate treasury strategy. The firm has also acquired the domain name bitcoin.jp, signaling a strong commitment to repositioning the business around digital assets. Bakkt co-CEO Akshay Naheta emphasized Japan’s transparent crypto regulations as a key advantage for developing a premier Bitcoin treasury firm. He stated, “We look forward to partnering with MHT to develop a premier Bitcoin treasury firm” [2].

This acquisition is part of Bakkt’s broader global expansion strategy. In June 2025, the firm filed a multi-security shelf offering to raise up to $1 billion, followed by a $75 million public equity offering in July, with funds allocated toward Bitcoin purchases. Despite a sharp decline in Bakkt’s stock price following the $75 million offering, the company remains committed to its long-term vision [3].

The transition will involve collaboration between Bakkt and the current Marusho Hotta team to align operations with the new Bitcoin-centric corporate strategy. The company’s future corporate policy will include direct investments in Bitcoin and other digital assets, positioning it as a key participant in Japan’s growing cryptocurrency ecosystem. The rebranding and strategic pivot are subject to shareholder approval [4].

Market observers and investors have highlighted the move as a bold entry into Asia’s expanding Bitcoin treasury market. The Japanese rebranding is seen as a continuation of Bakkt’s efforts to institutionalize Bitcoin adoption globally. Earlier in 2024, speculation arose regarding a potential acquisition of Bakkt by Trump Media & Technology Group, though no formal deal has materialized. The latest move into Japan reinforces Bakkt’s focus on digital asset treasuries as demand grows across global markets [5].

Pending shareholder approval, the rebranding of Marusho Hotta to Bitcoin.jp will mark a significant transformation in both the company’s identity and its investment strategy. The shift reflects Bakkt’s continued confidence in Bitcoin’s role in corporate finance and treasury operations, particularly in a jurisdiction where regulatory clarity and infrastructure support crypto adoption [6].

Source:

[1] Cointelegraph

https://cointelegraph.com/news/bakkt-acquires-marusho-hotta-rebrand-bitcoin-jp

[2] The Block

https://www.theblock.co/post/365807/bakkt-japans-marusho-hotta-bitcoin-treasury

[3] CoinDesk

https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/06/bakkt-expands-global-bitcoin-play-with-30-stake-in-japan-s-marusho-hotta

[4] CoinCentral

https://coincentral.com/bakkt-holdings-inc-bkkt-stock-gains-momentum-after-235m-deal-to-transform-mht-into-bitcoin-jp/

[5] AInvest

https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bakkt-acquires-30-stake-japan-marusho-hotta-launch-bitcoin-jp-2508/

[6] Coindoo

https://coindoo.com/bakkt-takes-control-of-japanese-firm-set-to-rebrand-as-bitcoin-jp/