SBI Japan Charges Ahead with XRP ETF Plans as Crypto Markets Surge

Japan's financial giant SBI makes a power play—pushing for the nation's first XRP ETF while crypto bulls run wild.

Why it matters: Institutional adoption isn't coming—it's already knocking down the door. SBI's move signals a seismic shift in how traditional finance views digital assets (even if bankers still pretend to 'hate the tech').

The details: No official filing yet, but insiders confirm active development. This comes as XRP flirts with 2025 highs—up 210% since January. Regulatory green lights from Japan's FSA could make this ETF a reality before 2026.

Between the lines: Wall Street's still stuck debating Bitcoin ETFs while Asia eats its lunch. Maybe Goldman Sachs can short this trend too.

TLDR

• SBI Japan has announced plans to launch two new exchange-traded funds focused on digital assets.
• One of the proposed ETFs will include only Bitcoin and XRP as its core components.
• The second ETF will invest in gold, and the Franklin Bitcoin ETF will have over half of the fund allocated to gold.
• SBI intends to list both ETFs on the Tokyo Stock Exchange pending regulatory approval.
• The XRP ETF reflects growing institutional interest in XRP and broader crypto investment products.

SBI Japan plans to launch two new exchange-traded funds, one of which includes XRP, Bitcoin, and gold. The move follows rising institutional demand for crypto exposure, particularly in Asia and North America. The company disclosed the initiative in its Q2 2025 financial report published on July 31.

The planned funds are titled Digital Gold Crypto ETF and Crypto Asset ETF, focusing on diversified and crypto-only investments, respectively. SBI aims to list the ETFs on the Tokyo Stock Exchange after regulatory approval. This expansion aligns with the firm’s strategic push into blockchain and digital asset markets.

Both ETFs target institutional interest in digital assets while reinforcing SBI’s long-standing partnership with Ripple. These ETFs could boost XRP’s global presence, especially as the token gains traction in Canada and beyond. SBI expects Japan’s evolving crypto regulations to support faster approvals.

XRP ETF Proposal Highlights Growing Institutional Demand

The SBI Crypto Asset ETF will comprise only XRP and Bitcoin, focusing on direct crypto exposure. Although SBI has not yet disclosed the asset allocation, it confirmed plans to list the product in Tokyo. This initiative underscores SBI’s increasing confidence in the future of XRP ETF products.

In contrast, the Digital Gold Crypto ETF will combine gold with the Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC). Over 51% of this fund will be in gold, while the rest will be allocated to Bitcoin ETF. SBI aims to appeal to investors seeking diversified exposure to both traditional and digital assets.

SBI in Japan🇯🇵 is seeking regulatory approval for two (2) new financial products.
1. Digital Gold Crypto ETF (Gold/Bitcoin)
2. Crypto-Asset ETF (Bitcoin/#XRP)https://t.co/AVaBwvkips pic.twitter.com/AqN3gbr5PX

— 🌸Crypto Eri ~ Carpe Diem (@sentosumosaba) August 4, 2025

These developments coincide with broader global momentum for XRP ETF products. In June, Canadian regulators approved two spot XRP ETFs, signaling rising cross-border interest. More than ten U.S. asset managers are also pursuing spot XRP ETFs pending regulatory clarity.

Ripple Stake Expected to Deliver Gains After Public Listing

SBI holds a 9% equity stake in Ripple and anticipates strong gains once Ripple goes public. The company highlighted this potential upside in its Q2 2025 report, linking valuation clarity to a future IPO. While Ripple has not confirmed any IPO plans, SBI remains optimistic about timing.

The Japanese group reported a 2.8x growth in investment balance over five years, reaching ¥795.1 billion ($5.37 billion). SBI expects most of its portfolio companies to go public within two years. Ripple’s IPO or any equivalent event could unlock major returns on SBI’s holdings.

Meanwhile, SBI continues leveraging XRP in its remittance services while exploring Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD. These activities show ongoing integration of Ripple’s ecosystem into SBI’s Core financial services. The XRP ETF launch forms part of this wider strategic expansion.