XRP News Today: SBI Denies Bitcoin-XRP ETF Application Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

SBI Holdings, a major Japanese financial services firm, has officially denied reports that it had applied for a dual-asset exchange-traded fund (ETF) listing in Japan that would have included Bitcoin and XRP. The firm emphasized that the proposed crypto ETFs remain in the exploratory phase and no formal application has been submitted to regulators [1]. The clarification came amid speculation that SBI was making significant strides in the development of crypto investment products in Japan, particularly following its past interest in launching a Bitcoin spot ETF in 2024 [1].

The rumors were fueled by a mix of misinformation and earnings-related disclosures. SBI’s official stance was clear: it had not filed any applications, nor had it initiated the regulatory approval process [1]. The confusion likely stemmed from a broader market narrative that positioned SBI as a potential leader in introducing innovative crypto financial products, especially in the wake of the Ripple-SEC lawsuit resolution and the subsequent surge in XRP’s price [2]. However, SBI representatives stressed that regulatory clarity is a prerequisite for moving forward with any ETF proposals [1].

The Japanese regulatory environment remains a key constraint. Under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, the classification of crypto assets has not yet been finalized, which is a necessary legal step for ETFs involving cryptocurrencies [1]. SBI is closely monitoring developments and has stated that it will not pursue any applications until these regulatory definitions are in place. This approach reflects a broader industry trend where financial institutions are increasingly cautious in navigating evolving regulatory frameworks before launching new products [1].

SBI also indicated that any future ETF applications are likely to be submitted through its subsidiary, SBI Global Asset Management, with a primary focus on retail investors. The firm aims to expand access to alternative investments and is positioning itself to meet growing demand for crypto-related financial products in a compliant manner [1]. However, the timing of such applications remains uncertain due to the dynamic nature of Japan’s regulatory landscape.

Despite the setback in ETF speculation, the broader market for crypto remains optimistic. The recent resolution of the Ripple-SEC case has generated renewed interest in XRP, and analysts suggest that a Bitcoin ETF approval in the U.S. could have a positive spillover effect on other digital assets, including XRP [3]. However, these forecasts remain speculative and should be approached with caution [7]. The potential for a dual-asset ETF in Japan remains a topic of interest, but it will depend heavily on the pace of regulatory developments and market readiness.

SBI Holdings’ decision to clarify its position reflects the delicate balance institutions must strike between innovation and compliance in the crypto space. While the firm continues to explore digital asset opportunities, its current strategy emphasizes regulatory alignment over aggressive product launches [1]. This cautious approach underscores the evolving nature of the crypto market and the increasing importance of regulatory readiness in shaping institutional participation.

Source:

[1] SBI Holdings Denies Submitting Bitcoin-XRP ETF Application in Japan, CoinCentral, https://coincentral.com/sbi-holdings-denies-submitting-bitcoin-xrp-etf-application-in-japan/

[2] XRP Lawsuit Ends as Ripple and SEC File Joint Dismissal, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=739724565607421&set=a.130****63246274&type=3

[3] XRP Breaks $3 Barrier Just as Ripple SEC Appeal Hangs ..., Brave, https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/xrp-price-today-xrp-breaks-3-barrier-just-as-ripple-sec-appeal-hangs-in-balance

[7] XRP News Today: Crypto Analyst Predicts XRP Price ..., AInvest, https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-crypto-analyst-predicts-xrp-price-surge-september-2025-bullish-indicators-2508/