SBI Holdings in Talks to Acquire Stake in Crypto Exchange Bitbank

May 1, 2026

Tokyo-based broker SBI Holdings submitted a letter of intent on May 1, 2026, to acquire a controlling stake in Bitbank, one of Japan's largest crypto exchanges, aiming to make it a consolidated subsidiary. The move is part of SBI Holdings' aggressive expansion strategy in the cryptocurrency sector, following its absorption of Bitpoint exchange, plans to acquire Singapore-based Coinhako announced in February 2026, and a Visa partnership for crypto rewards credit cards. The acquisition push comes as Japan's regulatory environment improves, with the cabinet approving a draft amendment in April 2026 that would classify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, potentially taking effect in fiscal 2027. SBI Holdings is positioning itself to dominate Japan's crypto market ahead of these regulatory changes that would bring digital assets under the same framework governing stocks and securities.

SBI Holdings' acquisition of stake in Bitbank

▪SBI Holdings announced its letter of intent to acquire a stake in Bitbank on Friday, May 1, 2026.
▪SBI Holdings submitted a letter of intent to Bitbank Co., Ltd. regarding the purchase of Bitbank's shares.
▪SBI Holdings plans to acquire a stake in Bitbank, one of Japan's largest crypto exchanges.
▪SBI Holdings' goal is to turn Bitbank into a consolidated subsidiary.

Japan's evolving cryptocurrency regulatory framework

▪Japan's cryptocurrency classification law could take effect as early as fiscal 2027 if passed during the current parliament session.
▪Japan's cabinet approved a draft amendment that would classify cryptocurrencies as financial products.
▪Japan's cabinet approved the draft cryptocurrency amendment in April 2026.
▪Japan's draft cryptocurrency amendment would bring crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, which is used for stocks and other securities.

SBI's broader crypto expansion strategy across Asia

▪SBI Holdings' Visa partnership credit cards enable users to accumulate BTC, ETH, or XRP through everyday purchases.
▪SBI Holdings announced its Visa partnership for crypto rewards credit cards on Friday, May 1, 2026.
▪Bitpoint has offered an onchain bond from which investors can receive rewards in XRP.
▪SBI Holdings disclosed plans to acquire a majority stake in Singapore-based Coinhako in February 2026.
▪SBI Holdings absorbed Bitpoint, a regulated Japanese crypto exchange that offers spot trading.
▪Coinhako is a MAS-regulated digital asset platform based in Singapore.
▪SBI Holdings commenced a Visa partnership to launch credit cards that automatically convert spending rewards into crypto.
▪SBI Holdings frames the Bitbank acquisition as part of its broader strategy to expand its crypto footprint and strengthen its position ahead of potential regulatory changes in Japan.

Perspective of Japanese cryptocurrency industry participants

▪Japan's proposed classification of cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act represents a significant legitimization of digital assets in traditional finance.