SBI Holdings eyes stake in crypto exchange Bitbank to build digital asset powerhouse

Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Holdings plans to acquire a stake in Bitbank, one of the country’s largest crypto exchanges.

The Tokyo-based broker submitted a letter of intent to Bitbank Co., Ltd. regarding the purchase of the exchange’s shares with the goal of turning it into a consolidated subsidiary, according to an announcement on Friday.

SBI frames the Bitbank move as part of its broader strategy to expand its crypto footprint and strengthen its position ahead of potential regulatory changes in Japan.

Japan’s cabinet approved a draft amendment last month that would classify cryptocurrencies as financial products, bringing crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, which is used for stocks and other securities. If passed during the current parliament session, the law could take effect as early as fiscal 2027.

SBI already absorbed Bitpoint, a regulated Japanese crypto exchange that offers spot trading and has offered an onchain bond from which investors can receive rewards in XRP.

The move is also part of SBI’s broader regional expansion push, having disclosed plans to acquire a majority stake in Singapore-based Coinhako, a MAS-regulated digital asset platform in February.

SBI has also commenced a Visa partnership to launch credit cards that automatically convert spending rewards into crypto (BTC, ETH, or XRP), enabling users to accumulate digital assets through everyday purchases, according to a separate announcement on Friday.