Japan digital asset market expands via SBI-Ripple ties and new registrations

Japan's digital asset landscape is seeing increased institutional integration through expanded partnerships and new regulatory registrations. SBI Holdings and Ripple continue to deepen their long-term financial link, which dates back to 2016. SBI holds approximately 9% of Ripple, and the two companies operate SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture with 60% ownership by SBI Group and 40% by Ripple.

This collaboration focuses on payments, tokenization, and digital asset distribution. Since 2021, SBI Remit, SBI VC Trade, and Ripple have utilized XRP to facilitate crypto-powered remittances, bridging currencies during international transfers between markets including the Philippines and Vietnam.

Simultaneously, Laser Digital Japan, a firm backed by Nomura, has completed its registration as a crypto asset exchange service provider in Japan. The firm plans to support local virtual asset service providers and institutional market participants by improving liquidity. Its initial asset lineup is expected to include Ethereum, XRP, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Shiba Inu.