SBI Holdings’ first dual Bitcoin-XRP ETF marks Japan’s step toward regulated crypto investment for institutional and retail markets.

SBI Holdings has announced its plans to launch Japan’s first Bitcoin-XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). This move is a major milestone for Japan’s regulated crypto investment space and offers new opportunities for both institutional and retail investors.

The proposed dual-asset ETF will give investors exposure to two of the world’s most recognised cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and XRP. 

It also strengthens SBI’s partnership with Ripple, the blockchain company behind XRP.

Bitcoin-XRP ETF Offers Regulated Crypto Access

SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial groups, submitted two ETF proposals to Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) recently. One of these includes the country’s first dual crypto ETF, which combines Bitcoin and XRP. 

The second proposal bundles digital assets with gold-backed securities.

Japanese financial group SBI Holdings has filed to launch two crypto-related ETFs in Japan: the Crypto-Assets ETF, offering direct exposure to XRP and Bitcoin, and the Digital Gold Crypto ETF, which allocates over 50% to gold ETFs alongside crypto assets. https://t.co/MGuWYzBx9l

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 6, 2025

By seeking approval for these products, SBI is aiming to create regulated paths for crypto investing, which aligns well with the rising appetite for digital assets across Japan.

The firm’s plan to list these ETFs on the Tokyo Stock Exchange is a strong vote of confidence in Japan as a crypto hub. If approved, this would be the first time investors in Japan could gain crypto exposure via ETFs.

Why Combine Bitcoin and XRP in One ETF?

Bitcoin is undisputably the world’s most dominant cryptocurrency. XRP, on the other hand, offers fast and cheap transactions. By combining both in one ETF, SBI is attempting to create a product that appeals to more investors.

The Bitcoin-XRP ETF also shows SBI’s commitment to Ripple as a platform. SBI has worked closely with Ripple on payments and blockchain infrastructure in Asia, especially in Japan. This ETF is likely to deepen that relationship while giving investors an easy way to gain diversified crypto exposure.

Gold-Backed ETF Offers Risk Balance

The second ETF proposal from SBI includes a mix of digital assets and gold-based investments. This product would allocate 51% to gold ETFs and 49% to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

This blend offers investors a more balanced portfolio. Gold serves as a hedge during market uncertainty, while digital assets provide higher room for growth. By offering both in one product, SBI is targeting investors who want crypto exposure but also want to manage risk.

More Insights into the Bitcoin-XRP ETF Plan

Japan’s FSA has proposed changes that could reclassify certain crypto assets as financial instruments under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA). This would make crypto assets eligible for investment products like ETFs.

SBI’s ETF proposals come at a time when Japan is attempting to change how it regulates cryptocurrencies. By moving early, SBI is setting itself up as a pioneer of sorts, ready to take advantage of any regulatory changes that benefit crypto ETFs.

Japan is maturing, too, in terms of crypto adoption. Many investors, both institutional and retail, are seeking safer and more regulated ways to enter the market. SBI’s ETF proposals answer that demand by providing exposure to top cryptocurrencies, under the oversight of Japan’s financial authorities.