tl;dr
SBI Holdings, a key Ripple partner, plans to launch two crypto-linked ETFs featuring XRP, Bitcoin, and gold, aiming to boost institutional adoption and regulatory approval of XRP in Japan. The first ETF offers direct exposure to XRP and Bitcoin, while the second combines gold-backed securities with ...
SBI Holdings, a pivotal partner of Ripple, is set to launch two innovative crypto-linked ETFs, marking a milestone in XRP’s quest for institutional recognition and regulatory approval in Japan. This development could unlock new liquidity channels and facilitate broader institutional engagement in digital assets.
In its Q2 2025 financial strategy, SBI revealed the filing of two ETFs incorporating XRP, Bitcoin, and gold. The flagship Crypto-Assets ETF will provide direct exposure to XRP and Bitcoin, potentially acting as a catalyst for institutional adoption of XRP in Japan, a country where regulatory hurdles have historically restricted such investment products. The announcement energized the “XRP Army,” a dedicated community advocating for XRP’s broader market legitimacy.
The second offering, the Digital Gold Crypto ETF, presents a hybrid investment approach, combining gold-backed securities—with over 50% allocation to gold ETFs—and digital currencies. This blend aims to attract both crypto enthusiasts and risk-averse investors by balancing cryptocurrency growth potential with the stability of gold. This innovative strategy positions SBI at the forefront of merging traditional finance with blockchain advancements.
As a financial conglomerate with diverse interests spanning financial services and biotechnology, SBI (formerly Softbank Investment) has demonstrated a strong commitment to the crypto space through stablecoin projects and blockchain payment solutions. Its endorsement of XRP underscores confidence in the token’s long-term utility, notably for cross-border payments across Asia.
While XRP ETFs are already active in Canada, most major markets including the United States have yet to approve such products. Industry sentiment anticipates regulatory approvals as early as September–October 2025. Should Japan’s Financial Services Agency greenlight these ETFs, it would signal formal recognition of XRP as a regulated investment asset, bolstering investor confidence and encouraging other institutions to pursue similar offerings.
This ETF proposal coincides with Japan’s evolving regulatory environment, which, after a traditionally cautious stance, is showing openness towards digital asset innovation, influenced by recent election outcomes that may lead to significant tax reforms. SBI’s move reflects a strategic alignment with these shifting dynamics, potentially shaping the future landscape of cryptocurrency investments in Japan and beyond.