Japanese investment giant SBI Holdings has added another brick to its grand design of merging traditional finance with the crypto ecosystem. The firm announced the launch of blockchain-issued and managed bonds aimed squarely at domestic retail investors.
Japan Banks On Blockchain As SBI Issues Tokenized Retail Bonds
23 February 2026 - 08:37 CET
Dubbed a 'comprehensive internet financial group', SBI continues to build Japan's token economy while keeping a firm, profitable grip on its legacy banking business. The firm owns a 9% stake in stablecoin issuer Ripple Labs, which it routinely shoehorns into regulated financial products. In a rather transparent sweetener to lure crypto-curious retail investors, customers buying the security token bonds will receive XRP in an amount corresponding to their subscription.
Bypassing the legacy depositary system
Although they follow previous digital bonds in Japan, the $65mn issuance is reportedly the first to have its full lifecycle onchain. In this case, the bonds use ibet for Fin, an infrastructure led by BOOSTRY Co. The bond entirely bypasses the conventional management system operated by the Japan Securities Depositary Center. All processes, from issuance and administration during the term to final redemption, will be completed electronically according to a 20 Feb disclosure from SBI.
BOOSTRY is an infrastructure developer backed by leading Japanese financial heavyweights including Nomura and SBI.
SBI claimed the bond issuance was a forerunner for expanding a digital asset economy where transactions and settlements use tokens on blockchain networks. The firm added that the security bond market would help Japan revitalise its capital markets.
Modernising the Japanese financial ecosystem
Japan has enthusiastically declared 2026 'Digital Year One', signalling its ambition to enact extensive regulatory reforms to drag digital assets into the mainstream financial system. The ultimate geopolitical and economic goal is clear. The government is desperate to encourage the redeployment of massive, stagnant household savings into active investments.
Trading in the bonds, which carry an indicative interest rate of between 1.85% and 2.45% per annum, is expected to start on 25 Mar on the proprietary trading system START. The system is operated by Osaka Digital Exchange and the final interest rate will be decided on 10 Mar.
Record results and a dividend boost
The immediate impact on the group's financial results is expected to be immaterial. However, in a separate notice published on 20 Feb, SBI projected record net sales, operating profit and ordinary profit for the fiscal year ending 31 Mar. The firm forecast net sales of 27bn yen, operating profit of 4.55bn yen and ordinary profit of 4.9bn yen.
SBI cited a stronger consolidated structure following the acquisition of SBI Okasan Asset Management Co. Ltd. on 1 Sep 2025, alongside the purchase of Rheos Capital Works Inc. effective 1 Dec 2025. The scope of consolidation has expanded significantly as a result. SBI also pointed to the solid performance of existing units, including SBI Asset Management Co. during the current fiscal year.
Riding high on these numbers, SBI confirmed in a third statement on 20 Feb that it was boosting its annual dividend for the fiscal year ending 31 Mar by 0.75 yen to 22.75 yen per share. The increase represents the 17th consecutive annual payout boost, combining the interim and year-end dividends.
