SBI Holdings plans to introduce two new exchange-traded funds in Japan and revealed the move in its Q2 2025 financial report. The first fund will track XRP and Bitcoin and the second will mix gold with digital tokens.
On 31st July, SBI made the filings with Japan’s Financial Services Agency for the last quarter. The launch aims to drive more liquidity and draw institutional investors into crypto markets.
Boosting XRP’s Institutional Credibility
The flagship Crypto-Assets ETF will hold XRP and Bitcoin side by side. If approved, institutional buyers will gain a regulated channel to own XRP which marks a big step for Ripple’s token in Japan.
SBI has long backed Ripple, and this product would deepen that alliance. The firm hopes the ETF will spur more trust and wider use of XRP in financial corridors.
The second offering, called the Digital Gold Crypto ETF, will split its holdings between gold and cryptocurrencies. More than 50% of assets will go into gold and massive gold ETFs. The rest will be divided among digital coins such as XRP and Bitcoin.
By coming together of gold’s stability with crypto’s technological growth, SBI hopes to appeal to both risk-adverse and risk-taking investors. This balanced combination may appeal to many more.
Strengthening SBI’s Crypto Portfolio
SBI has already ventured into stablecoins and blockchain payments. It joined forces with Ripple to boost cross-border transfers. The new ETFs build on that track record. They signal SBI’s push to bridge old-school finance and emerging blockchain tools.
As a branch of SoftBank, SBI draws on deep pockets and tech expertise. Its established status may smooth regulatory hurdles for these funds.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
Japan’s Financial Services Agency needs to approve the new ETFs, and regulators have kept a wary eye on crypto funds previously. SBI will need to demonstrate solid custody, auditing, and risk controls plans.
Approval could be the example for other companies to offer similar products, and breach of rules might delay launch or require ETF designs to be altered.
Regulated listings of XRP would provide it with an imprimatur. Long-term investors would be more secure in their position if tokens are parked in regulated funds.
XRP Price Actions
XRP has been trading around $2.92 this week, down 3.6% in 24 hours. Bitcoin also saw slight losses. The combined crypto market cap sits near $173.81 billion. Trading volumes dipped by 0.66% over a single day.
Despite the recent pullback, analysts say regulated ETF products could level up demand. They expect more institutions to view crypto tokens as a serious asset class once ETFs go live.
Also Read: ProShares Secures NYSE Arca Approval for First Leveraged XRP ETF Ahead of Trading Launch Debut