XRP News Today: SBI Files Japan’s First Bitcoin-XRP Dual-Asset ETF and Digital Gold ETF

SBI Holdings, Japan’s largest financial services firm, has submitted applications for two innovative exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to the Financial Services Agency (FSA), marking a pivotal step in integrating cryptocurrencies into Japan’s traditional financial system. The first ETF is a Bitcoin and XRP dual-asset product, which would be Japan’s first of its kind. The second is a hybrid “Digital Gold” ETF that blends gold-backed securities with exposure to crypto assets, allocating more than 50% of its portfolio to gold [1]. These products are designed to offer both institutional and retail investors a regulated and accessible avenue to invest in digital assets.

SBI has positioned the ETFs as part of a broader strategy to align with Japan’s evolving regulatory environment, which has been gradually recognizing cryptocurrencies as financial instruments. The proposed ETFs are expected to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, reflecting SBI’s confidence in the regulatory outlook and the rising demand for crypto-related investments [2]. The firm has a history of pioneering crypto offerings in Japan, including its first crypto ETF, which analysts believe may enhance the likelihood of regulatory approval for the new products.

The potential approval of these ETFs could have significant implications for the prices of Bitcoin and XRP. A regulated investment vehicle could attract substantial capital inflows from both institutional and retail investors, potentially increasing liquidity and stabilizing prices. For Bitcoin, the recent approval of spot ETFs in other markets has already fueled strong growth, and similar momentum could follow in Japan. As for XRP, its inclusion in a regulated ETF could alleviate some of the regulatory uncertainty that has historically constrained its price. Analysts suggest that ETF approval might drive XRP toward a price range of $3.50 to $15, depending on broader regulatory developments [3].

SBI’s move is also being seen as a strategic response to the growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly in Japan. The firm’s recent financial reports show that the combined customer base of its crypto trading platforms, SBI VC Trade and BITPOINT, has more than doubled over two years, reaching 1.7 million accounts by July 2025. Total deposit balances have also surged to JPY 870 billion, with SBI VC Trade alone holding over JPY 600 billion. This underscores the increasing engagement of investors in crypto markets and highlights the potential for ETFs to further expand this trend [4].

The hybrid “Digital Gold” ETF is particularly noteworthy as it introduces a hedging mechanism that blends the volatility of crypto assets with the stability of gold. This approach is intended to appeal to investors seeking a balanced exposure to both traditional and digital asset classes. It also reflects a broader trend of financial innovation in Japan, where improved regulatory clarity and market infrastructure are facilitating the inclusion of digital assets in mainstream finance [5].

SBI’s proposal represents a significant milestone in the journey toward mainstream crypto adoption in Japan. By offering regulated investment vehicles that combine cryptocurrencies with traditional assets, the firm is setting a precedent that could encourage other financial institutions to explore similar products. This development highlights the growing legitimacy of digital assets as investable instruments and may further stimulate institutional interest in the space.

Sources:

[1] SBI Holdings Files XRP+Bitcoin ETF Applications in Japan

https://beincrypto.com/sbi-holdings-files-xrpbitcoin-etf-applications-in-japan/

[2] SBI Japan Proposes ETFs Tied to XRP and Bitcoin to Boost

https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-sbi-japan-proposes-etfs-tied-xrp-bitcoin-boost-crypto-adoption-2508/

[3] SBI and U.S. Asset Managers Move Closer to Launching

https://coincodex.com/article/71088/sbi-and-us-asset-managers-move-closer-to-launching-xrp-etfs/

[4] SBI Japan Launches XRP Bitcoin ETFs

https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-sbi-japan-launches-xrp-bitcoin-etfs-q2-2025-strategy-2508/

[5] SBI Japan Moves Toward XRP ETF Amid Rising Crypto

https://coincentral.com/sbi-japan-moves-toward-xrp-etf-amid-rising-crypto-market-growth/