SBI Holdings has started formal talks to acquire a stake in Bitbank, one of Japan’s larger domestic cryptocurrency exchanges. The Tokyo-based brokerage group submitted a letter of intent to Bitbank on Friday, stating that it aims to turn the platform into a consolidated subsidiary after due diligence and internal approvals.

Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!).

Bitbank operates the “bitbank” exchange and focuses on crypto-related services. The company, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Tokyo’s Yaesu district, holds registration as a crypto asset exchange operator with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

• SBI Group’s Crypto Arm Reportedly Loses $21 Million in Suspected North Korean Hack
• Japan’s SBI Group Eyes Tokenised Asset Launch with Chainlink Partnership
• SBI Group’s Cross-Border e-Commerce Platform Enables XRP Payments

It also has a money lender license from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Bitbank says it prioritizes security and market development and has promoted wider use of cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw Read this Term under Japan’s existing regulatory framework.

SBI Eyes Bitbank Deal amid Japan’s Tightening Crypto Rules

The planned acquisition comes shortly after SBI reorganised part of its crypto business at home. Earlier, SBI VC Trade absorbed Bitpoint Japan in an effort to improve operational efficiency and profitability by using management resources more effectively. SBI positions the potential Bitbank deal as another step to build scale in crypto trading and infrastructure within the group.

Japan is also preparing to tighten its treatment of digital assets. The government is working on changes that would bring crypto assets within the scope of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, the main law that governs securities such as shares and bonds.

You may also like: SBI Group’s Crypto Arm Reportedly Loses $21 Million in Suspected North Korean Hack

The revised rules could apply from fiscal 2027 if lawmakers approve the amendments. SBI says it expects that adding Bitbank to the group and pursuing synergies among its crypto businesses will help it secure a stronger position in the domestic market as this new regulatory framework takes shape.

SBI’s push to buy into Bitbank comes on the back of several recent crypto and digital-asset initiatives that target both retail savers and institutional clients. Earlier this year, its crypto arm SBI VC Trade rolled out a USDC stablecoin Stablecoin Unlike other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that have been designed to keep a stable value. Placing a greater emphasis on stability over volatility can be a huge draw for some investors. Many individuals can be turned off from large swings and uncertainty presented by cryptos relative to other traditional assets.Stablecoins control for this volatility by being pegged to another cryptocurrency, fiat money, or to exchange-traded commodities, including Unlike other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that have been designed to keep a stable value. Placing a greater emphasis on stability over volatility can be a huge draw for some investors. Many individuals can be turned off from large swings and uncertainty presented by cryptos relative to other traditional assets.Stablecoins control for this volatility by being pegged to another cryptocurrency, fiat money, or to exchange-traded commodities, including Read this Term lending service for Japanese individuals.

The product offers fixed‑term, yen-accessible exposure to a dollar‑pegged asset, giving local savers a way to earn yield on USDC within a regulated domestic framework rather than turning to offshore platforms.

SBI Expands Crypto Push with Tokenization

At the infrastructure level, SBI has teamed up with Web3 firm Startale to build a dedicated blockchain venue for tokenized asset trading. The project, often described as a blockchain exchange for tokenized securities and real‑world assets, aims to support 24/7 trading for institutions across Asia.

SBI has also moved to deepen its institutional reach through a strategic investment in U.S. prime broker Clear Street. As part of that deal, the firms plan a joint venture in Japan to bring Clear Street’s clearing and prime brokerage capabilities to local hedge funds and professional investors.

Together with the Bitbank talks, these steps show SBI trying to stitch together retail yield products, tokenized‑asset infrastructure and institutional market access into a single, more integrated digital‑asset offering.