Japanese brokerages plan crypto investment trusts
Japanese brokerages like SBI and Rakuten plan crypto investment trusts and ETFs for retail investors, pending regulatory approval, with a 2028 target for full integration.
Japan's top brokerage firms, such as SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities, are preparing to launch cryptocurrency investment trusts and ETFs. These initiatives aim to give retail investors access to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum through familiar brokerage accounts. The products are being developed internally and will be available via online platforms and smartphone apps, making crypto investments more accessible. Other major players, including Nomura, Daiwa, SMBC, and Mizuho, are also considering entering the market once regulatory guidelines are clarified. This movement aligns with ongoing efforts by Japan's Financial Services Agency to update regulations, with a target of 2028 for allowing investment trusts and ETFs to hold cryptocurrencies. The shift is expected to lower entry barriers for retail investors and further integrate digital assets into Japan's mainstream financial system.