SBI Group and Chainlink Partner to Advance Tokenized Finance in Japan and APAC

SBI Group, Japan's largest financial institution with over $200 billion in assets under management, has announced a strategic partnership with Chainlink, a leading blockchain oracle provider, to advance tokenized finance in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region [1]. The initiative aims to expand the use of digital assets through blockchain-based tools such as real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, regulated stablecoins, and cross-border payment solutions. SBI and Chainlink will leverage technologies like Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and Proof of Reserve to ensure transparency, compliance, and scalability in financial operations [4]. These tools are expected to facilitate tokenized real estate, bonds, and funds, while also enabling real-time net asset value (NAV) reporting and reserve verification [2].

The partnership builds on prior collaborations, including a joint test with UBS Asset Management under Singapore’s Project Guardian initiative [5]. It also reflects Japan’s broader shift toward digital finance, particularly as the country prepares for the introduction of a yen-backed stablecoin. SBI has previously partnered with firms such as Ripple and Circle, indicating a sustained commitment to digital asset infrastructure [3].

SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao emphasized that the collaboration will support cross-border stablecoin transactions and drive digital asset adoption in the region [6]. Meanwhile, Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov highlighted the potential for institutional-grade tokenization solutions, noting the importance of scaling these technologies for global finance [7].

Japan’s regulatory environment is also evolving to accommodate digital assets, with discussions underway for a flat 20% tax and the introduction of crypto ETFs [8]. These developments could align the country with global financial standards and encourage further institutional participation. SBI is also advocating for the adoption of USDC and RLUSD stablecoins, with plans for the latter’s deployment by March 2026 [9].

The RWA market is gaining traction, with onchain value reaching $26.5 billion [10]. Though still in its early stages, the sector is attracting attention from central banks and institutional investors. The Federal Reserve is reportedly studying RWA tokenization, signaling growing global interest [11].

Following the partnership announcement, Chainlink’s native token, LINK, briefly rose to $26.3 before retreating to $24.50. Analysts noted that the token is forming an ascending triangle pattern, suggesting potential bullish momentum if it breaks above $27 [12]. Open interest in LINK derivatives climbed to $875.7 million, reflecting heightened institutional activity in RWA-linked assets [13].

By combining Chainlink’s blockchain infrastructure with SBI’s financial expertise, the partnership aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and compliance in digital asset markets. As Japan continues to reform its regulatory approach, this initiative could serve as a model for blockchain adoption in traditional finance across Asia and beyond [13].

Source: [1] SBI Group Partners with Chainlink to Transform Asian Finance (https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/sbi-group-partners-with-chainlink-to-transform-asian-finance)

[2] 76% of Japan's banks eye tokenized securities as SBI bets on Chainlink (https://cryptoslate.com/76-of-japans-banks-eye-tokenized-securities-as-sbi-bets-on-chainlink/)

[4] SBI and Chainlink Partner to Advance Tokenized Assets in Japan and APAC (https://www.ainvest.com/news/sbi-chainlink-partner-advance-tokenized-assets-japan-asia-pacific-2508/)

[5] SBI Group, Chainlink partner to bring crypto tech to Asia's finance scene (https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/altcoins/chainlink-and-sbi-partner-to-drive-tokenized-asset-adoption-in-japan-192420)

[6] SBI Group and Chainlink partner to develop blockchain tools for tokenized real-world assets (https://coinlaw.io/sbi-chainlink-tokenized-assets-japan/)

[7] SBI Group Partners Chainlink to Enable APAC Banks Handle Digital Assets (https://payspacemagazine.com/news/sbi-group-partners-chainlink-to-enable-apac-banks-handle-digital-assets/)