Bitcoin Trusts Launch for Japanese Investors

SBI and Rakuten to Launch Crypto Investment Trusts in Japan

• SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are developing in-house cryptocurrency investment trusts for retail investors.
• The trusts will provide exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum without the need for a crypto wallet.
• Japan has been a significant market for crypto but lacked packaged investment products like those in the US and Hong Kong.
• SBI Group operates SBI VC Trade, while Rakuten Group manages Rakuten Wallet, both regulated crypto platforms in Japan.
• The Japanese Financial Services Agency has been clarifying its crypto regulatory framework since 2019, supporting this development.

SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are set to offer cryptocurrency investment trusts, allowing Japanese retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum through existing brokerage accounts. This move aligns with Japan’s structured regulatory environment for digital assets.