SBI Holdings Acquires Bitbank for ¥46.7 Billion in Japanese Crypto Deal

SBI Holdings has resolved to acquire Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank for ¥46.7 billion through its wholly owned subsidiary SBICAH GK, according to a Tokyo Stock Exchange TDnet disclosure. The transaction represents a major consolidation move in Japan's regulated crypto exchange market. The combined operation of Bitbank and SBI VC Trade is projected to oversee approximately ¥1.1 trillion in assets under custody across 2.92 million user accounts, subject to approval conditions including Japan Fair Trade Commission review with an expected closing by October 2026.

SBI Holdings Structures Acquisition Through SBICAH GK Subsidiary

According to the TDnet disclosure, SBI will conduct the transaction through SBICAH GK. The acquisition is expected to bring Bitbank into the SBI Group by October 2026. The transaction also involves the buyback and retirement of stakes held by major Bitbank shareholders MIXI Inc. and Ceres Inc.

Combined Entity Projects ¥1.1 Trillion in Managed Assets

The combined operation of Bitbank and SBI VC Trade is projected to oversee approximately ¥1.1 trillion in assets under custody across 2.92 million user accounts. This scale positions the merged entity as a major domestic exchange group within Japan's regulated crypto market framework.

Transaction Requires Japan Fair Trade Commission Approval

The acquisition is subject to approval conditions including Japan Fair Trade Commission review. The expected closing date is October 2026. The review process will assess the transaction's impact on domestic exchange concentration in Japan's cryptocurrency market.

FAQ

What is the value of SBI Holdings' acquisition of Bitbank?
SBI Holdings is acquiring Bitbank for ¥46.7 billion through its wholly owned subsidiary SBICAH GK.

How many user accounts will the combined SBI-Bitbank entity manage?
The combined operation of Bitbank and SBI VC Trade is projected to oversee 2.92 million user accounts with approximately ¥1.1 trillion in assets under custody.

When is the SBI-Bitbank acquisition expected to close?
The transaction is expected to close by October 2026, subject to Japan Fair Trade Commission approval and other regulatory conditions.