What are SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities planning to launch?

SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are reportedly preparing cryptocurrency investment trusts that would let retail investors gain exposure to bitcoin and ethereum through standard brokerage accounts. The products are designed to remove the need for separate crypto exchange accounts or digital wallets.

Why are crypto investment trusts important for Japanese retail investors?

Crypto investment trusts would make bitcoin and ethereum easier to access through familiar investment apps and brokerage platforms. For many retail investors, this lowers operational complexity and could increase mainstream crypto adoption in Japan’s traditional financial system.

How is Japan changing crypto regulation?

Japan’s Financial Services Agency plans to amend the Investment Trust Act by 2028 so cryptocurrencies can legally be included inside regulated investment funds. The government also approved a separate proposal in 2026 to classify crypto as a financial product rather than a payments tool.

Why does Japan’s proposed 20% crypto tax matter?

Japan currently taxes some crypto gains at rates as high as 55%, which has been a major complaint among traders and investors. Reducing the rate to 20%, similar to stocks and bonds, could improve crypto trading activity and attract more long-term capital into the market.

Which major Japanese brokerages are considering crypto funds?

Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, SMBC Nikko Securities, Mizuho Securities and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities were among firms that reportedly said they may offer crypto investment products once regulations are finalised.

How could this affect bitcoin and ethereum demand in Japan?

If major brokerages begin offering crypto trusts, retail and institutional access to bitcoin and ethereum could expand significantly. Easier access through regulated investment platforms may increase inflows into crypto assets over the medium term.

Is Japan becoming more crypto-friendly compared with other countries?

Japan already has one of the world’s more regulated crypto markets, with licensed exchanges and relatively clear rules. The latest proposals suggest regulators are shifting from simply allowing crypto trading toward integrating digital assets into mainstream investment products.

What are the main bull and bear cases for Japanese crypto stocks after this news?

The bullish case is that broader crypto adoption could benefit exchanges, brokerage firms and financial groups building digital asset businesses. The bearish case is that implementation could take years, while tighter custody, compliance and insider trading rules may increase operating costs.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Japan brokerages prepare Bitcoin trust push

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished May. 17 2026Last Updated May. 17 2026

SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities are preparing cryptocurrency investment trusts that would allow retail investors to gain exposure to bitcoin and ethereum through standard brokerage accounts, according to a Nikkei Asia survey published Sunday.

The products would let customers buy crypto-linked investment funds without opening separate cryptocurrency exchange accounts or managing digital wallets, while Japan’s Financial Services Agency works toward a 2028 revision of the Investment Trust Act.

SBI Global Asset Management plans to handle fund development, ETF structuring and distribution within the SBI group ecosystem, while Rakuten Securities is reportedly working with Rakuten Investment Management to integrate crypto investment trusts into its smartphone trading app.

Nikkei Asia surveyed 18 major Japanese securities firms and found broad interest from brokerages including Nomura Securities, Daiwa Securities, SMBC Nikko Securities, Mizuho Securities and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities once the regulatory framework is finalised.

Japan’s government approved legislation in April 2026 to reclassify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, with the proposed framework also reducing crypto capital gains taxes to 20% from the current maximum rate of 55%.

The revised rules would impose stricter custody and security requirements for institutions handling crypto investment products while adding insider trading restrictions for digital asset markets.

Japan already operates a regulated domestic crypto exchange sector through platforms including Bitflyer, Coincheck and SBI VC Trade, while spot bitcoin ETFs remain a longer-term possibility pending future FSA rulemaking.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $77,809.42.