Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings is set to significantly expand its footprint in the cryptocurrency sector by taking a controlling stake in Singapore-based exchange Coinhako. The move, announced on Friday, marks a strategic step in SBI’s broader vision to establish a robust international infrastructure for digital assets.
Strategic Investment and Regulatory Advantage
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in one of Asia’s key crypto hubs, SBI Holdings has signed a letter of intent with Coinhako’s parent company, Holdbuild. Through its subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset, the firm plans to inject capital into Coinhako and purchase shares from existing investors. If the deal is finalized, SBI Holdings will gain a majority stake, making Coinhako a consolidated subsidiary, pending regulatory approval.
Chairman and CEO of SBI Holdings, Yoshitaka Kitao, emphasized the broader implications of the acquisition: “Bringing Coinhako into the SBI Group is not just an investment in a single platform; it’s part of our comprehensive effort to build international infrastructure for digital assets, including tokenized securities and stablecoins.”
Coinhako’s Regulatory Compliance and Regional Reach
Coinhako, founded in Singapore, operates a licensed crypto trading platform and related services through Hako Technology, a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The exchange also runs Alpha Hako, a registered virtual asset service provider overseen by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission.
Coinhako’s co-founder and CEO, Yusho Liu, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “This new collaboration will enable Coinhako to scale our institutional-grade systems and meet the surging demand for tokenized assets and stablecoins, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of the world’s next-generation financial system.”
SBI Holdings’ Blockchain Ventures
SBI Holdings has been a proactive player in the blockchain and crypto space for several years. In 2021, the company invested in Coinhako through the SBI-Sygnum-Azimut Digital Asset Opportunity Fund, a joint venture with Switzerland’s Sygnum Bank. This latest move builds on SBI’s existing portfolio, which includes investments in tokenization projects, payment networks, and other crypto-related businesses.
In December 2025, SBI partnered with Web3 infrastructure company Startale Group to develop a fully regulated Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin aimed at tokenized asset markets and cross-border settlement. The token will be issued and redeemed by Shinsei Trust & Banking, a unit of SBI Shinsei Bank, while SBI VC Trade, a licensed crypto exchange, will manage its circulation.
In August, SBI Group also partnered with blockchain oracle network Chainlink to develop digital asset tools for financial institutions in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Forward-Looking Insights
The acquisition of a majority stake in Coinhako is a strategic move that aligns with SBI Holdings’ long-term vision of fostering a global digital asset ecosystem. By leveraging Coinhako’s regulatory compliance and regional reach, SBI aims to enhance its capabilities in tokenized assets and stablecoins, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving crypto landscape.
As the crypto market continues to grow and regulatory frameworks evolve, SBI Holdings’ strategic investments and partnerships will be crucial in shaping the future of digital finance. The company’s focus on international infrastructure and regulatory compliance positions it well to capitalize on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the crypto industry.
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