XRP News Today: SBI Files Japan's First Onshore Bitcoin-XRP ETFs

SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial institutions, has submitted regulatory applications to launch two Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that include Bitcoin and XRP, marking a significant development in the country’s crypto market [1]. The proposed ETFs aim to offer Japanese investors a regulated and accessible way to gain exposure to digital assets, with one fund combining Bitcoin and XRP, and the other incorporating at least 51% gold alongside digital assets [2]. The filings were made with Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), potentially positioning the country to launch its first onshore spot crypto ETFs [3].

The initiative, led by SBI Holdings and its CEO Yoshitaka Kitao, reflects a strategic push to diversify investment products and capitalize on the growing institutional and retail interest in digital assets. SBI, a $214 billion firm, has long been a major player in Japan’s fintech landscape and has partnered with Ripple, one of XRP’s primary developers [4]. The proposed ETFs are expected to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, further integrating cryptocurrencies into Japan’s mainstream financial infrastructure [5].

The inclusion of XRP in the ETF is particularly notable, as the token remains unapproved for direct trading on most Japanese exchanges. By bundling XRP with Bitcoin, SBI Holdings is offering investors a broader exposure to two of the most established digital assets by market capitalization [6]. This approach may also signal increased confidence in XRP’s long-term viability and regulatory potential in Japan.

If approved, the ETFs could bring a new wave of institutional investment into the Japanese crypto market, potentially boosting liquidity and price stability for both Bitcoin and XRP [7]. Similar to past Bitcoin ETF launches in other jurisdictions, the introduction of regulated products in Japan could lead to increased market participation and greater transparency for investors [8]. The move aligns with global trends where more traditional financial players are exploring digital asset integration.

SBI Holdings’ ETF applications highlight the ongoing evolution of Japan’s regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies. While the country has historically maintained a cautious stance, recent developments suggest a growing openness to regulated crypto investment vehicles. This shift could further accelerate the adoption of digital assets in Japan’s financial system, especially as demand for diversified investment options continues to rise.

Sources:

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

[2] Japan's largest bank SBI files for Bitcoin and XRP ETFs, Cryptopolitan, https://www.cryptopolitan.com/japans-sbi-files-for-bitcoin-and-xrp-etfs/

[3] SBI Japan Files First Bitcoin–XRP ETF Amid Crypto Policy, CryptoNinjas, https://www.cryptoninjas.net/news/sbi-japan-files-first-bitcoin-xrp-etf-amid-crypto-policy-shakeup/

[4] SBI Files for Bitcoin–XRP ETF in Japan, Pushing Dual Crypto, Yahoo, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sbi-files-bitcoin-xrp-etf-080627546.html

[5] Will SBI's XRP ETF Gain Approval? Here's What You Need, CoinCentral, https://coincentral.com/will-sbis-xrp-etf-gain-approval-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

[6] SBI Holdings Files for Japan's First Bitcoin and XRP ETFs, The Defiant, https://thedefiant.io/news/tradfi-and-fintech/sbi-holdings-files-japans-first-bitcoin-xrp-etfs-04b0c4a8

[7] XRP News Today: SBI Holdings to Launch Japan's First..., AInvest, https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-sbi-holdings-launch-japan-xrp-etf-3-05-price-breakout-2508/