XRP News Today: SBI Japan Files First Bitcoin–XRP ETF Amid Evolving Crypto Regulations

SBI Japan has submitted the first-ever Bitcoin–XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) to the Financial Services Agency (FSA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital asset market. The proposed ETF bundles exposure to both Bitcoin and XRP, reflecting a strategic effort to bridge traditional finance with cryptocurrency and align with evolving regulatory standards [1]. This filing comes amid a broader shift in Japan’s crypto policy environment, where reforms are being explored to foster innovation while ensuring investor protection [1].

The initiative underscores SBI Japan’s leadership in the fintech sector and its ongoing efforts to expand institutional-grade crypto investment products. By incorporating XRP—a token historically excluded from institutional portfolios due to regulatory uncertainty—into a formal investment vehicle, SBI is signaling growing acceptance of the asset in Japan, where regulatory sentiment has become increasingly favorable [1]. The firm has long partnered with Ripple through its RippleNet and On-Demand Liquidity solutions to enhance cross-border payment systems, and the ETF filing could further legitimize XRP’s role in the digital economy [1].

Beyond the ETF, SBI is also pushing forward with plans to become a major player in the stablecoin market. It is working with Circle on USDC adoption and preparing to handle Ripple’s RLUSD. Simultaneously, it is developing yen-backed stablecoins in line with Japanese regulations, aiming to reinforce the yen’s stability and support government bond demand [1]. These efforts highlight SBI’s dual approach to aligning digital assets with national financial objectives, including strengthening the dollar and yen as reserve currencies.

The regulatory reform discussions in Japan have also gained political traction. SBI has called for changes to the current treatment of crypto assets as “miscellaneous income,” which is subject to high progressive tax rates, arguing that this discourages long-term investment and innovation. With recent electoral shifts showing increased support for revisiting crypto taxation, there may be growing momentum for policy adjustments that treat digital assets more akin to traditional securities [1].

The Bitcoin–XRP ETF filing is not only a first for Japan but is also expected to influence the global digital asset market. If approved, it would be one of the first regulated investment vehicles globally to include XRP alongside Bitcoin, potentially paving the way for more sophisticated and diverse crypto investment products [1]. SBI’s move reflects a broader trend of institutional adoption, as major players increasingly seek to integrate digital assets into mainstream finance [1].

Source: [1] Bitcoin–XRP ETF filed by SBI Japan as part of broader regulatory evolution in the country's crypto market (https://www.fxstreet.com/news/gold-eases-below-3-400-as-rally-pauses-trump-escalates-tariff-threats-202508061147)