In a landmark move for the Japanese cryptocurrency market, SBI Holdings has officially filed an application to launch a dual-asset exchange-traded fund (ETF) combining exposure to both Bitcoin and XRP. The proposed ETF, if approved, would be the first of its kind in Japan, offering investors a regulated and secure pathway to gain diversified access to two of the most prominent digital assets on the market.
The filing represents a major leap forward for institutional adoption of cryptocurrency in Asia. SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial services groups, has been a vocal supporter of blockchain innovation and digital asset integration within traditional finance. Its latest proposal reaffirms the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between conventional capital markets and the evolving world of crypto assets.
The proposed ETF will track the performance of Bitcoin and XRP in equal or weighted allocations, giving investors an efficient way to diversify their exposure without needing to manage the assets directly. This kind of hybrid ETF structure is still rare globally and unprecedented in Japan, where regulatory frameworks around crypto remain conservative but steadily evolving.
Market analysts see the move as a potential catalyst for XRP’s long-term legitimacy in institutional finance. Ripple, the company closely associated with XRP, has faced ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny in the United States, which has limited XRP’s availability in several Western investment products. However, Japan has maintained a more open stance, with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) previously recognizing XRP as a legal crypto asset under local law.
By including XRP alongside Bitcoin in the ETF, SBI appears to be signaling confidence in XRP’s future despite regulatory ambiguity elsewhere. The ETF could also serve as a benchmark for other Asian markets considering similar instruments.
If approved by Japanese regulators, the Bitcoin-XRP ETF would become a vital tool for both institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to the crypto sector through conventional brokerage accounts. It could also open the door for future crypto ETFs featuring other digital assets, further normalizing cryptocurrency within traditional investment portfolios.
The Japanese financial community has responded positively to the news, with many calling the ETF a step toward broader mainstream acceptance. It underscores a broader trend where financial giants are increasingly embracing blockchain-based assets, especially in jurisdictions with clearer regulatory pathways.
SBI’s proposal is currently under review by the FSA. While a timeline for approval has not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that regulatory feedback could come within a few months. If the ETF is greenlit, it may set the stage for a new wave of regulated crypto investment products in Japan and beyond.
This development arrives at a time when investor appetite for cryptocurrency remains high despite market volatility, and could further solidify Japan’s position as one of the leading crypto-friendly economies in the world.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Investors should research carefully before making any decisions. We are not responsible for your investment decisions.
