SBI Holdings eyes Bitbank takeover as Japan crypto sector consolidates

SBI Holdings has started formal talks with Bitbank over a capital and business alliance. The planned transaction would make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary of SBI.

The company said it plans to acquire shares after due diligence and internal approval. Details on timing, structure, and acquisition method will be discussed later.

The move comes soon after SBI Group absorbed Bitpoint Japan through a merger with SBI VC Trade in April 2026. The latest talks show SBI is moving quickly to expand its crypto exchange business.

Japan is also reviewing how crypto assets fit under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. That process may bring tighter rules for exchanges and crypto investment products.

Bitbank’s IPO path comes into focus

Bitbank had previously prepared for a possible Tokyo Stock Exchange listing by mid-2025. The company had also raised about 7 billion yen through a capital and business alliance with Mixi in 2021.

Mixi became a major shareholder with a 26.2% stake. SBI’s proposal may now draw attention to Bitbank’s listing plans and future ownership structure.

Bitbank expands crypto payment services

Bitbank has also moved further into crypto-linked payments. The exchange launched the “EPOS Crypto Card for Bitbank” with EPOS Card, the fintech arm of Marui Group.

The card allows users to settle monthly credit card bills using bitcoin held on Bitbank. It also offers 0.5% cashback in bitcoin, ether, or Aster.

Bitbank said the card is the first in Japan to allow credit card bills to be settled directly from crypto exchange balances. The service may later add more crypto payment options.

The possible SBI deal would combine Bitbank’s exchange brand and payments push with SBI’s wider financial network. Bitbank has also reported zero hacking incidents since launch, which may support its appeal to a larger financial group.