SBI Holdings has begun formal discussions with BitBank for a capital and business alliance. As a result of the planned transaction, BitBank will become a consolidated subsidiary of SBI.
The company said it plans to acquire the shares after due diligence and internal approval. More details on timing, how it works, and how to get it are below.
This move comes shortly after SBI Group absorbed BitPoint Japan through a merger with SBI VC Trade in April 2026. The latest talks show that SBI is moving rapidly towards expanding its cryptocurrency exchange business.
Japan is also considering how crypto assets fit into the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This process could result in tighter rules for exchanges and crypto investment products.
BitBank’s path to IPO is in focus
BitBank had previously been preparing to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by mid-2025. In 2021, the company raised approximately 7 billion yen through a capital and business alliance with mixi.
mixi became the major shareholder with a 26.2% stake. SBI’s proposal may now focus attention on BitBank’s listing plans and future ownership structure.
BitBank expands virtual currency payment services
BitBank is also moving further into cryptocurrency-related payments. The exchange has jointly launched the “EPOS Crypto Card for Bitbank” with Epos Card, the fintech division of Marui Group.
This card allows users to settle their monthly credit card bills using Bitcoins held in BitBank. It also offers 0.5% cashback on Bitcoin, Ether, or Aster.
According to BitBank, this card is the first in Japan to allow users to pay credit card bills directly from their virtual currency exchange balances. More cryptocurrency payment options may be added to the service later.
The potential partnership with SBI would combine BitBank’s exchange brand and payments drive with SBI’s broader financial network. BitBank has also reported zero hacking incidents since its inception, which may confirm its appeal to large financial groups.
