SBI Holdings Buys Coinhako: 5 Reasons This Ripple-Linked Deal Could Transform Asian Crypto

Ripple (XRP)

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  • SBI Holdings has completed its majority acquisition of Singapore crypto exchange Coinhako.
  • The deal strengthens SBI’s expansion into stablecoins, tokenization, and cross-border digital assets.
  • Singapore remains central to SBI’s long-term blockchain and crypto growth strategy.

SBI Holdings has strengthened its presence in the Asian digital asset market after acquiring a majority stake in Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinhako. The transaction, approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), officially closed on July 16 and makes Coinhako a consolidated subsidiary of the Japanese financial giant.

The acquisition marks another step in SBI Holdings’ broader digital asset strategy, reinforcing its ambitions to build stronger crypto infrastructure across Japan and Southeast Asia. The move also highlights the company’s continued expansion following its recent acquisition of Japanese crypto exchange BitBank.

SBI Holdings Bets on Singapore’s Crypto Market

The investment was made through SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd. and included both a capital injection into Coinhako and the purchase of shares from existing investors.

Founded more than a decade ago, Coinhako has established itself as one of Singapore’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform operates under a Major Payment Institution license issued by the MAS, giving it a strong regulatory foundation in one of Asia’s most crypto-friendly financial hubs.

SBI said Singapore remains a key market for its long-term blockchain and digital asset plans due to its progressive regulatory environment and growing role in global finance.

Ripple Partner Eyes Regional Crypto Expansion

SBI Holdings has long been recognized as one of Ripple‘s closest strategic partners in Asia, and the latest acquisition further strengthens its regional ecosystem.

The company plans to combine Coinhako’s customer network and local market expertise with SBI’s global financial services platform. Together, the businesses aim to accelerate growth in several emerging sectors, including tokenization, stablecoins, cross-border payments, and on-chain finance.

The acquisition also complements SBI’s ongoing blockchain initiatives, including the development of Japan‘s first trust-based yen-backed stablecoin, JPYSC. The company has recently expanded partnerships to support the stablecoin’s adoption and broader digital finance ecosystem.

Executives See Long-Term Growth Opportunities

SBI Holdings Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao said the company is working toward creating a global digital asset network that allows investors to move capital more efficiently across borders. He described Singapore as a strategically important market because of its advanced regulatory framework and welcomed Coinhako into the SBI Group.

Coinhako Co-founder and CEO Yusho Liu also described the acquisition as a natural milestone for the exchange. He said joining SBI will provide greater resources to accelerate growth while allowing Coinhako to build on the trusted and compliant platform it has developed over the past decade.

Also Read: SBI Launches Japan’s First Tokenized Equity Fund on Solana—Here’s Why It Matters

SBI Holdings’ acquisition of Coinhako signals growing confidence in Asia’s regulated cryptocurrency market. By combining Japan’s financial expertise with Singapore’s established digital asset ecosystem, SBI is positioning itself to play a larger role in cross-border crypto services, stablecoins, and tokenized finance. As digital assets continue to mature across the region, the deal could become an important building block in connecting Asian crypto markets more closely.

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.