SBI Holdings Pursues Bitbank Acquisition Amid Japan's Crypto Sector Consolidation

SBI Holdings has initiated talks with Bitbank to acquire shares and potentially merge the exchange into its operations. This move comes after SBI Group merged with Bitpoint Japan through SBI VC Trade in April 2026. The acquisition would make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary of SBI, expanding the company's crypto exchange business.

The planned transaction involves due diligence and internal approval before acquiring shares. Details on timing, structure, and acquisition method will be discussed later. This development highlights Japan's growing focus on cryptocurrency regulation, with the government reviewing how crypto assets fit under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Bitbank has been expanding its services, including launching the EPOS Crypto Card with EPOS Card, allowing users to settle monthly credit card bills using bitcoin balances. The exchange had previously prepared for a possible Tokyo Stock Exchange listing by mid-2025 and raised about 7 billion yen through a capital and business alliance with Mixi in 2021.