SBI Holdings eyes stake in crypto exchange Bitbank to build digital asset powerhouse
Analysis
Price Impact
MedSbi holdings' acquisition of a stake in bitbank and its broader digital asset strategy, including partnerships and other potential acquisitions, suggests increased institutional interest and infrastructure development in japan's crypto market. this could positively influence coins already integrated into their services like btc, eth, and xrp, by increasing adoption and liquidity.
Trustworthiness
HighPrice Direction
BullishThe news indicates significant strategic investment and expansion by a major financial player into the crypto space within japan. this increased institutional adoption, coupled with regulatory clarity potentially on the horizon, is generally bullish for the crypto market, especially for assets like btc, eth, and xrp which are often early beneficiaries of such developments.
Time Effect
LongThe full impact of this strategic move, including regulatory changes and integration of acquisitions, will likely unfold over a longer period, potentially over the next fiscal year and beyond, shaping the digital asset landscape in japan.
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Finance Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email SBI Holdings eyes stake in crypto exchange Bitbank to build digital asset powerhouse The Tokyo-based broker is betting big on crypto with plans in Singapore and a Visa partnership for bank cards that allows users to accumulate digital assets. By Olivier Acuna | Edited by Jamie Crawley May 1, 2026, 11:11 a.m. 1 min read Make preferred on Tokyo (mako/Unsplash) What to know : SBI Holdings has submitted a letter of intent to acquire a stake in Bitbank, aiming to make the crypto exchange a consolidated subsidiary as part of its expanding digital asset business. The planned acquisition comes as Japan moves to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, a change that could take effect as early as fiscal 2027. The Bitbank deal follows SBI’s absorption of Bitpoint, its planned majority stake in Singapore-based Coinhako, and a new Visa partnership offering credit cards that convert rewards into cryptocurrencies. 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 . Japan Cryptocurrency More For You Polymarket taps Chainalysis to bring Wall Street-level oversight to crypto prediction markets By Helene Braun , AI Boost | Edited by Jamie Crawley 20 hours ago By partnering with Chainalysis to monitor its blockchain data in real-time, Polymarket is signaling to both users and regulators that it is serious about eliminating insider trading and market manipulation. What to know : Polymarket has partnered with blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis to monitor trading activity and crack down on potential insider trading on its crypto-based prediction market. The collaboration will use Chainalysis investigative and onchain security tools to flag suspicious trading patterns, investigate rule violations and share evidence with regulators when necessary. By... Read full story Latest Crypto News Bitcoin ticks higher, but remains range-bound as traders keep short bias 51 minutes ago Bitcoin edges above $77,000, but institutional activity suggests downside hedging 1 hour ago Bithumb scores a legal win in South Korea as six-month suspension is lifted by local judge 3 hours ago Strategy keeps STRC dividend at 11.5% as stock logs first monthly gain in nine 4 hours ago U.S. senators won't be weighing in on prediction markets bets after banning themselves 12 hours ago From Cathie Wood to Cantor Fitzgerald, the big money is betting that Robinhood’s crypto slump is just a temporary speed bump 15 hours ago Top Stories Senator Warren questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick on Tether loan to family 18 hours ago Gemini eyes prediction market challenge to Kalshi, Polymarket, secures derivatives license; shares surge 19 hours ago Wasabi Protocol drained of $4.5 million in apparent admin key compromise Apr 30, 2026 The long con: How North Korean spies spent months in-person to drain $285 million from Drift 22 hours ago