SBI Holdings Clarifies Status on Crypto ETF Applications

SBI Holdings clarified on August 8, 2025, that it has not yet submitted any ETF applications for crypto assets, awaiting legal revisions by Japan’s regulators.

Delays could impact Bitcoin and XRP market dynamics as investors anticipate regulatory changes affecting crypto ETF launches in Japan.

SBI Holdings Awaits Regulatory Revisions for Crypto ETFs

A representative of SBI Holdings clarified that the company has not submitted any ETF application related to crypto assets, contradicting earlier media reports. The ETF plans remain in a preliminary stage. The financial arm of the firm, SBI Global Asset Management, plans to target individual investors with the aim of promoting alternative investments once Japan’s financial regulators complete necessary legal revisions.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is still reviewing regulations to potentially include certain crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). This step is crucial before any official application for crypto-backed ETFs can be filed. The prospective launch of ETF products marks a significant shift for SBI, aiming to expand into alternative assets once regulatory prerequisites are cleared.

Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO, SBI Holdings, stated, “SBI Global Asset Management will consider launching ETFs backed by Gold and various crypto assets once legal revisions by Japanese regulators are finalized.” Source

Market reactions were mixed, with investors showing cautious optimism pending regulatory updates. SBI Holdings remains a focal point for regional crypto market developments. Despite the absence of an official application, speculative discussions around potential asset impacts on Bitcoin and XRP continue within investment circles.

Bitcoin and XRP ETFs: Potential Impact on Japan’s Market

Did you know? The proposed inclusion of XRP in a Japanese ETF would mark a first for the nation, as no existing ETF combines Bitcoin and XRP.

Bitcoin (BTC) currently holds a market cap of $2.33 trillion, with a price of $116,873.43 and a 24-hour trading volume of $69.63 billion. BTC’s value rose by 1.67% over the past day, reflecting an ongoing increase over previous months, as per CoinMarketCap data.

Insights from Coincu research team highlight the importance of Japan’s regulatory environment in shaping SBI Holdings’ ETF plans. Regulatory clarity will significantly impact Japan’s financial and crypto sectors, fostering innovation and potentially boosting XRP and BTC price trajectories in future market assessments.