XRP News Today: SBI Files for Bitcoin XRP ETF and Gold Crypto Hybrid in Japan

SBI Holdings, Japan’s largest financial services group, has filed applications for two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on Bitcoin and XRP, as well as a hybrid offering combining gold and crypto assets. The proposed ETFs aim to introduce regulated investment vehicles that bridge traditional and digital asset markets, potentially reshaping Japan’s financial ecosystem by normalizing access to cryptocurrencies for a broader range of investors [3]. The first fund will directly invest in Bitcoin and XRP, while the second will allocate 51% to gold and 49% to crypto assets, designed to mitigate the volatility typically associated with digital assets [2].

SBI’s initiative is positioned as a bold step toward institutionalizing crypto investments in Japan, a nation that has shown increasing openness to digital assets in recent years. The company has a long-standing relationship with Ripple, including leveraging XRP for consumer services such as converting credit card points into the token [3]. This history suggests a strategic alignment with the token, and the ETF proposals could further solidify XRP’s role in institutional finance.

While the U.S. remains in a prolonged regulatory review for altcoin ETFs and South Korea is only beginning to consider such products, Japan appears to be moving ahead with greater regulatory agility. Japan’s Financial Services Agency has recently launched a Working Group on Web3 policy, signaling a proactive approach to integrating digital assets into the broader financial system [2]. Analysts believe this environment is increasingly favorable for SBI’s proposals, though the company has not yet received formal approval.

If approved, the ETFs will likely trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, offering Japanese investors a regulated and diversified means to participate in the crypto market. This development could set a precedent for other Japanese financial firms to follow, accelerating the mainstream adoption of crypto investments.

The broader implications of SBI’s filings suggest that Japan may emerge as a global leader in crypto investment regulation and product development. The firm’s strategic execution, combined with the evolving regulatory landscape, supports optimism about the potential approval and market impact of the ETFs. SBI’s dual-asset approach—combining crypto with gold—also reflects a cautious yet forward-looking strategy, addressing concerns around volatility while tapping into the long-term growth potential of digital assets [2].

The current price of XRP remains under $3, and the token is still navigating legal uncertainties. Analysts have made a range of price forecasts, including predictions of $5 in the near term and $15 by September from analyst Zack Rector, and a target of $9 by early September from James Crypto Space [3]. DeepSeek AI suggests a price range of $3.50 to $5.00 by year-end, contingent on a favorable legal outcome for Ripple [3]. These forecasts, while speculative, underscore the potential for XRP’s price to rise if key resistance levels are broken and regulatory clarity is achieved.

Source:

[1] Cointelegraph, “SBI Group Unveils Plans for Japan's First Bitcoin-XRP ETF,” https://cointelegraph.com/news/sbi-plans-bitcoin-xrp-etf-japan

[2] CoinDesk, “SBI Files for Bitcoin–XRP ETF in Japan,” https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/06/sbi-files-for-bitcoin-xrp-etf-in-japan-pushing-dual-crypto-exposure-into-regulated-markets

[3] Mitrade, “Japan's largest banking group, SBI Holdings, filed for a Bitcoin and XRP ETF,” https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1017519-20250807