Crypto investment trusts in Japan are moving closer to reality as major financial firms prepare new products for retail investors. SBI Securities, Rakuten Securities, and Nomura are among the leading brokerages developing crypto-focused investment trusts and ETFs ahead of expected regulatory reforms.
The growing interest highlights Japan’s evolving stance on digital assets. Moreover, upcoming legal changes could make crypto investments more accessible through traditional securities accounts.
SBI Securities Expands Crypto Investment Trust Plans
SBI Securities plans to introduce crypto investment trusts through its group company, SBI Global Asset Management. According to Nikkei, the company aims to manage product development and distribution internally.
The planned offerings will reportedly include:
Bitcoin-focused investment trusts
Ethereum-based funds
Crypto ETFs linked to liquid digital assets
SBI Holdings is also exploring innovative products. These include a Bitcoin-XRP dual ETF and a hybrid gold-crypto ETF. However, these products remain subject to regulatory approval.
The strategy could position SBI as one of Japan’s first major financial groups offering mainstream crypto investment products.
Rakuten Securities Targets Mobile Crypto Investing
Rakuten Securities is also preparing crypto investment trusts in partnership with Rakuten Investment Management. The company reportedly plans to integrate these products directly into its smartphone trading platform.
This move could simplify crypto investing for retail users. Instead of opening separate exchange accounts, investors may gain exposure through existing securities accounts.
As a result, crypto investment trusts in Japan could attract a broader audience, especially younger mobile-first investors.
Nomura and Daiwa Accelerate Crypto Fund Development
Nomura Holdings and Daiwa Securities are also advancing plans for crypto-related investment products. Both companies intend to launch crypto investment trusts through their internal asset management divisions once regulations become clearer.
Meanwhile, SMBC Group has formed a dedicated task force to assess crypto investment opportunities. Asset Management One, part of Mizuho Financial Group, has also started evaluating the sector.
The coordinated interest from Japan’s largest financial institutions signals growing confidence in regulated digital asset products.
Japan’s Regulatory Changes Support Crypto Investment Trusts
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is working on revisions to the Investment Trust Act enforcement order by 2028. The changes would officially classify cryptocurrencies as eligible assets for investment trusts.
In addition, Japan recently reclassified crypto assets as financial instruments under the amended Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
This regulatory shift places cryptocurrencies under the same legal framework as stocks and bonds. Therefore, financial firms can develop products with clearer compliance standards.
If lawmakers approve the bill during the current parliamentary session, the reforms are expected to take effect in fiscal 2027.
More information about Japan’s financial regulations is available through the official Financial Services Agency.
Crypto ETFs in Japan Could Launch by 2028
Japan is also considering rule changes that may allow spot crypto ETFs by 2028. Major firms such as Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings are expected to become early participants in the market.
Spot crypto ETFs would allow investors to gain direct exposure to cryptocurrencies through regulated exchange-traded products. Consequently, traditional investors could enter the crypto market without managing private wallets or exchange accounts.
Globally, crypto ETFs have already gained traction in markets like the United States and Hong Kong. Japan now appears ready to follow a similar path.
Investors can learn more about global ETF developments through Bloomberg and CoinDesk.
Retail Investors Could Benefit from Easier Crypto Access
The introduction of crypto investment trusts in Japan could significantly reduce barriers for retail participation. Traditional investment products offer familiar structures, regulated oversight, and simplified access.
Currently, many investors hesitate to enter the crypto market due to concerns about security, wallet management, and exchange complexity. Investment trusts could eliminate many of these obstacles.
Furthermore, integration with existing brokerage platforms may encourage more conservative investors to explore digital assets.
Japan has historically maintained strict crypto regulations after past exchange failures. However, the country now appears focused on balancing investor protection with financial innovation.
Japan Strengthens Its Position in Global Crypto Finance
The rapid development of crypto investment trusts in Japan reflects the country’s broader ambition to become a leader in digital finance. Large financial institutions are actively preparing products ahead of expected legal approval.
SBI, Rakuten, Nomura, and other firms are positioning themselves for a future where cryptocurrencies become a standard part of diversified investment portfolios.
As regulations evolve, Japan could emerge as one of Asia’s most important markets for regulated crypto investment products.