- SBI Holdings owns approximately 9% of Ripple Labs, not $10 billion in XRP tokens.
- The 9% stake is valued at roughly $4.5 billion based on Ripple’s $50B private valuation.
- SBI is shifting focus toward long-term infrastructure and the expansion of digital asset corridors in Asia.
As Ripple’s XRP token navigates a volatile market, SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao has stepped in to clarify the Japanese financial giant’s true financial relationship with the blockchain company.
Addressing recent social media rumors, Kitao corrected claims that SBI holds $10 billion worth of XRP tokens. While the figure of $10 billion was widely circulated, the CEO noted that SBI’s primary exposure is not through the liquid token itself, but through a substantial equity stake in Ripple Labs.
Direct Token Holdings vs. Equity Exposure
The clarification arose after an X user praised SBI Holdings for its recent acquisition of Coinhako, a Singapore-based exchange, while asserting that SBI held $10 billion in XRP. Kitao directly responded, shifting the narrative from speculative token ownership to institutional partnership.
According to Kitao, SBI owns approximately 9% of Ripple Labs. This distinction is critical for investors: while XRP token prices fluctuate daily based on market sentiment, an equity stake represents ownership in Ripple as a corporate entity, including its technology, intellectual property, and growing global infrastructure.
Estimating the Value of SBI’s “Hidden Asset”
With Ripple’s private market valuation currently estimated at roughly $50 billion, SBI’s 9% stake translates to a paper value of approximately $4.5 billion. However, Kitao has previously referred to this investment as a “hidden asset,” suggesting that Ripple’s full ecosystem and potential for a future public listing could drive that valuation significantly higher.
The timing of this correction coincides with a period of price correction for XRP. After showing a 4% gain over the last week, the token recently dipped roughly 6% to trade near the $1.46 to $1.49 range.
Also Read: OKX Secures Crucial EU License as XRP Price Targets $9 Rally
Strengthening the Asian Corridor
Beyond the balance sheet, the partnership between SBI and Ripple remains a cornerstone of the XRP ecosystem in Asia. SBI has been instrumental in deploying Ripple’s payment solutions across Japanese and Southeast Asian banks, aiming to replace legacy systems like SWIFT with faster, blockchain-based alternatives.
The move to acquire Coinhako further signals SBI’s intent to build a regional “digital asset corridor,” leveraging its Ripple partnership to integrate stablecoins and tokenized assets into mainstream finance. For the market, Kitao’s message is clear: SBI isn’t just holding a coin; it’s betting on the company building the future of global payments.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
