Overview
- SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are building in-house funds that track Bitcoin and Ethereum, following weekend reports that outlined plans to sell them through standard brokerage accounts.
- Product launches hinge on rule changes that move crypto under Japan’s securities framework, with the Financial Services Agency working toward approvals, custody standards and fee rules through 2027–2028.
- Nomura, Daiwa, SMBC and Mizuho-linked firms are evaluating similar offerings, and a Nikkei survey found 11 of 18 major brokerages may roll out crypto funds once the framework is set.
- SBI told investors it plans Bitcoin and Ether ETFs and multi-asset trusts once reforms take effect, using its Franklin Templeton joint venture and targeting about $31.5 billion in assets within three years.
- Trust structures would let people buy crypto exposure without managing wallets or keys, though they would own fund units, face counterparty and custody choices, and pay management fees.