XRP News Today: SBI to Launch Crypto and Digital Gold ETFs in Japan

SBI Holdings is preparing to launch two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on cryptocurrency and digital assets, as outlined in its Q2 2025 financial report released on July 31 [1]. One of these ETFs will directly allocate to XRP and Bitcoin, while the other will pair Bitcoin exposure with physical gold. This marks a strategic expansion of SBI’s digital asset offerings and reflects its deepening engagement with blockchain technologies.

The firm plans to list both the “Crypto Asset ETF” and the “Digital Gold Crypto ETF” on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, subject to regulatory approval. The first fund will exclusively feature XRP and Bitcoin, offering direct exposure to the two cryptocurrencies. While SBI has not yet disclosed the exact allocation between the two assets, the firm emphasized its commitment to delivering straightforward and transparent access to digital assets.

The second ETF will take a hybrid approach, allocating over 51% of its portfolio to physical gold and the remainder to the Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC), aiming to diversify investor portfolios across traditional and digital value stores. This dual strategy aligns with growing demand for products that combine the stability of gold with the innovation of digital assets.

SBI’s ETF initiative also reinforces its long-standing partnership with Ripple, a company in which SBI holds a 9% equity stake. The firm has expressed confidence in Ripple’s future potential, suggesting that a possible initial public offering (IPO) could unlock substantial value. Although Ripple has not officially announced IPO plans, SBI cited recent valuation metrics as evidence of latent upside.

Beyond its ETF ambitions, SBI continues to integrate Ripple’s products into its financial services, including the use of XRP for international remittances and exploration of Ripple’s new stablecoin, RLUSD. These efforts position SBI as a key player in the evolving blockchain landscape, particularly in Japan, where regulatory reforms are creating a more favorable environment for crypto investments.

Japan’s recent financial reforms include proposed reductions in crypto taxation and streamlined approval processes for ETFs, all aimed at establishing the country as a global crypto hub. SBI’s dual-crypto ETF represents a significant step toward achieving this vision.

Despite the positive developments, XRP has experienced price volatility following SBI’s announcement. According to data analytics firm Glassnode, over 96% of XRP wallets remain in profit, a level often associated with short-term market tops. Technical indicators also show a bearish divergence between XRP’s price and its relative strength index (RSI), signaling weakening upward momentum.

If XRP breaks above $3.07, it could move toward $3.48, $3.59, or even $3.99, but a decline below $2.88 might trigger further downward pressure, with potential support at $2.52. These movements highlight the token’s sensitivity to broader market sentiment.

At the same time, the broader crypto market is facing outflows, with U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs reporting $196 million in net outflows on August 5—marking four consecutive days of withdrawals. This trend contrasts with the relatively stable inflows seen in July and reflects a broader shift in investor behavior.

SBI’s dual-crypto ETF strategy and continued Ripple integration demonstrate its proactive stance in navigating the evolving digital asset landscape. As regulatory frameworks evolve and institutional demand grows, SBI’s approach could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of crypto investing in Asia and beyond.

Source: [1] SBI Q2 Report (https://cryptonews.com/news/sbi-ignites-japanese-market-with-dual-crypto-exposure-to-bitcoin-xrp-etf/)