Japanese financial giants SBI and Rakuten are developing cryptocurrency investment trusts in-house, according to a report from Nikkei, signaling a potential shift in how traditional institutions in Japan approach digital asset products.
What Nikkei reported about SBI and Rakuten’s crypto investment trust plans
The Nikkei report indicates that both SBI and Rakuten are building crypto investment trust products internally rather than relying on third-party providers. The move places two of Japan’s most recognized financial and internet-sector brands at the center of a growing push to bring regulated crypto exposure to mainstream investors.
SBI, one of Japan’s largest online brokerages, and Rakuten, the e-commerce and fintech conglomerate, each have existing crypto exchange operations. Developing investment trusts in-house suggests both firms see enough long-term demand to justify dedicated product infrastructure, as CoinTelegraph reported when covering the Nikkei story.
Investment trusts are a familiar vehicle for Japanese retail investors. Structuring crypto exposure through this format, rather than requiring direct token purchases, could lower the barrier to entry for a large segment of the domestic market.
This development follows broader regulatory discussions in Japan. The country’s Financial Services Agency has been reviewing its framework for digital asset financial products, creating an environment where firms like SBI and Rakuten may see a clearer path to launching such vehicles.
Why in-house crypto investment trusts could matter for Japan’s market
The decision to build these products internally, rather than white-labeling or partnering with external crypto asset managers, carries weight. It implies that both companies view crypto investment trusts as core offerings, not experimental add-ons.
For SBI, which already operates SBI VC Trade and has expanded its digital asset business across multiple subsidiaries, an in-house trust product would integrate naturally into its existing brokerage ecosystem. Rakuten similarly has its own crypto exchange arm and a massive retail customer base through Rakuten Securities.
The structured trust format could appeal to investors who want exposure to cryptocurrencies without managing private keys, navigating exchange interfaces, or dealing with custody concerns. This mirrors a pattern seen globally, where Bitcoin’s growing institutional legitimacy has driven demand for packaged investment products.
Japan’s approach contrasts with the U.S. market, where enforcement actions against crypto-related financial crime have shaped a more cautious regulatory stance. In Japan, the FSA’s ongoing review suggests a framework that could accommodate these new trust products more readily.
What to watch next after the Nikkei report
The Nikkei report confirms development is underway but leaves key details open. Neither SBI nor Rakuten has publicly disclosed which crypto assets the trusts would cover, what fee structures they would carry, or when products might launch.
Official confirmation from either company would be the next major milestone. Investors and market watchers should monitor for filings with Japan’s FSA, product structure announcements, and distribution timelines.
Any regulatory guidance on crypto investment trust frameworks from the FSA would also shape how quickly these products reach market. With both firms building internally, the competitive dynamics of Japan’s crypto investment landscape could shift once these products move toward formal approval.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.