SBI Holdings submitted a proposal to establish an XRP and Bitcoin ETF fund in Japan.

SBI Holdings – a strategic partner of Ripple – has just announced plans to launch two digital asset ETF funds, marking an important milestone in the journey for XRP's official recognition in the Japanese market.

This move could open up new liquidity streams while also encouraging stronger participation from financial institutions in the digital asset space.

XRP and Bitcoin become the focus

According to the second quarter 2025 financial results report, SBI announced that it has filed for two new ETF funds, which integrate XRP, Bitcoin, and gold. The flagship product – Crypto-Assets ETF – will provide direct access to both XRP and Bitcoin. If approved, this could become a key catalyst for XRP's widespread acceptance by institutions in Japan. Until now, legal barriers have made it difficult for such products to be deployed in this country.

The information has created a wave of excitement in the "XRP Army" community – the enthusiastic supporters of XRP – as it is seen as a strategic step for XRP to gain wider recognition in the market. SBI's commitment to Ripple and the digital asset space has once again been reaffirmed.

The second fund is named Digital Gold Crypto ETF, following a hybrid approach that combines gold and cryptocurrency. More than 50% of the fund's portfolio will be allocated to gold ETFs, aiming to create a balanced investment product that appeals to both cryptocurrency enthusiasts and those who prioritize stability.

By combining the growth potential of crypto with the stability of gold, SBI is providing a new investment tool aimed at reasonable risk adjustment – serving various investor segments. At the same time, this also helps reinforce SBI's pioneering position at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology.

A Strong Move to Show Confidence in XRP

SBI's inclusion of XRP in the ETF demonstrates a deep belief in the long-term value and practical applicability of this cryptocurrency, especially in the field of cross-border payments. As one of Ripple's largest shareholders, SBI has actively promoted the use of XRP in financial corridors across Asia.

Although XRP ETFs have been traded in Canada, most major markets like the United States have not yet granted approval. However, the financial industry is hopeful that XRP ETFs will be approved around September–October 2025.

If the Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) gives the green light, it will be a major turning point for the XRP ecosystem as well as the entire industry. XRP will be officially recognized as a regulated investment asset – which could enhance investor confidence. Many analysts believe that SBI's move could create a ripple effect, encouraging other financial institutions to introduce similar products.

The SBI ETF proposal comes at a time when Japan is gradually easing its legal stance on digital assets. Although previously quite cautious, regulators have recently shown more openness to innovation – especially in light of the recent election results that have raised hopes for significant reforms in tax policy.

Thạch Sanh