SBI Holdings and Money Forward to launch crypto payment venture

SBI Holdings, Money Forward, and the US-based Mesh Connect have reached a basic agreement to establish a new joint venture in Japan aimed at simplifying cryptocurrency transactions. The new company, which targets a 2026 launch, intends to develop a blockchain-based payment infrastructure to streamline the purchase, transfer, and settlement of digital assets.

The venture seeks to reduce the current burden on users and businesses who must navigate multiple exchanges and wallets to manage assets. Mesh Connect, which provides a payment foundation connecting over 300 exchanges and wallets via API, will hold a 60% stake, while SBI Group will hold 26% and Money Forward will hold 14%.

The partnership will combine Mesh’s connectivity technology with SBI Group’s financial services expertise and regulatory knowledge, alongside Money Forward’s management support. Future considerations for the venture include account connectivity between wallets, stablecoin payments, and the application of tokenized assets.