Japanese financial group SBI Holdings has filed applications to launch two new cryptocurrency ETFs, focusing on Bitcoin and XRP, as well as gold assets. These moves are part of the company's strategy to enhance crypto investment in the country.
Description of Crypto ETFs
SBI Holdings has introduced two new ETFs:
* **Digital Gold Crypto ETF:** This ETF will allocate up to 51% of its assets to gold ETF shares and the remaining 49% to crypto ETFs, providing investors with a balanced investment product. * **Crypto-Assets ETF:** This fund will invest directly in Bitcoin and XRP, offering a single entry point into what SBI Holdings considers the two most promising cryptocurrency sectors.
Pending Approval and Regulation
Both ETF applications have been submitted to Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) and are awaiting a response. Currently, an XRP spot ETF is only available in Canada among major global markets. Experts believe that similar ETFs in the United States could be approved as early as Q4 2025.
Interest in Stablecoins and Future Plans
In June 2025, the FSA proposed classifying crypto assets as financial products. If this proposal is adopted, it would allow providers to launch crypto ETFs and reduce the tax burden for individual investors. SBI Holdings is actively promoting this sector, having recently partnered with Circle, issuer of USD Coin (USDC), and invested in the firm during its IPO. The report also highlights SBI Holdings' interest in stablecoins, including USDC and Ripple's RLUSD, as well as plans to issue yen-pegged stablecoins.
The launch of new crypto ETFs by SBI Holdings underscores the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in Japan. As the market awaits regulatory approvals, the company continues to actively expand its projects in the field of digital assets.
