On July 16, Japanese financial group SBI Holdings completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform Coinhako after receiving regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The deal, executed through SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd., combines a capital injection with the purchase of shares from existing shareholders, though the financial terms remain undisclosed.
Coinhako operates under Holdbuild Pte. Ltd. and its regulated exchange business is managed by Hako Technology, which holds a Major Payment Institution license from MAS. This acquisition makes Coinhako a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Holdings, significantly expanding SBI’s regulated digital asset footprint in Asia. The move aligns with SBI’s strategy to use Singapore as a major base for regional expansion, strengthening its presence across Southeast Asia and advancing its APAC digital asset strategy.
Beyond immediate exchange services, SBI plans to leverage Coinhako’s customer base and platform to develop cross-border digital finance products, including stablecoins, tokenization, on-chain finance, and cross-border digital asset trading. The integration also supports SBI’s broader ecosystem efforts, such as its partnership with Startale on on-chain financial services and the launch of JPYSC, Japan’s first trust-type yen-denominated stablecoin. The acquisition coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Singapore, with SBI planning its first overseas branch managers’ meeting in the city-state to reinforce regional cooperation.
