SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities, two of Japan's leading online brokerages, plan to introduce cryptocurrency investment trusts once the country's Financial Services Agency finalizes the regulatory framework for such products.
The move was revealed in a Nikkei Asia report, which noted that these investment vehicles will allow customers to access crypto exposure through their existing brokerage accounts, significantly simplifying market entry for retail and institutional investors alike. The products, which will include exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are expected to be developed by entities within the broader SBI Group and Rakuten Group conglomerates.
In a survey of 18 major financial companies conducted by Nikkei, an additional 11 firms — including Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities and Mizuho Securities — indicated plans to consider entering the crypto investment trust market once regulatory clarity is achieved. This widespread interest underscores a fundamental shift in Japan's approach to digital assets.
The Japanese government recently approved a draft amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act that reclassifies cryptocurrencies as financial products, rather than treating them merely as payment tools. If passed by parliament, the bill could take effect in fiscal 2027, opening the way for regulated crypto investment products. The development mirrors the U.S. market, where spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in January 2024 and now hold over $100 billion in net assets, highlighting the immense potential of such regulated offerings.
