SBI Holdings announced on May 1, 2026, that it has started formal discussions to acquire Bitbank as a consolidated subsidiary. The Japanese financial giant plans to create the nation’s largest crypto platform group by combining Bitbank with its existing exchanges. This move follows SBI’s April 2026 merger that absorbed Bitpoint Japan through SBI VC Trade.
SBI Builds Dominant Position
SBI Holdings Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao stated that welcoming Bitbank into the group will help establish a dominant position in Japan’s crypto industry. The acquisition will give SBI control over three major exchanges operating under one financial umbrella. SBI VC Trade, the former Bitpoint Japan, and Bitbank will form Japan’s largest cryptocurrency platform group.
The company plans to maximize synergies within the group after the acquisition closes. SBI will acquire Bitbank shares after completing due diligence and internal procedures. The specific acquisition ratio and timeline have not yet been determined. Financial details, including the purchase price, remain undisclosed at this stage.
Large financial organizations are positioning themselves ahead of stricter regulation, as evidenced by this consolidation. Under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, Japan is contemplating more stringent cryptocurrency rules. To gain market share before new regulations take effect, major businesses are acting quickly.
Bitbank’s Security Record Attracts Attention
Bitbank maintains a leading industry record for security with zero major breaches since its founding. The platform raised approximately 7 billion yen through a capital business cooperation agreement with Mixi in 2021. That deal gave the gaming company a significant ownership stake in the exchange.
Bitbank had been preparing for an initial public offering on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since mid-2025. The exchange built strong brand recognition among Japanese retail investors through its security focus. SBI’s acquisition offer is likely to replace those independent IPO plans with integration into a larger financial ecosystem.
SBI Holdings has been pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy across Asia’s crypto markets. The company signed a letter of intent in February 2026 to acquire a majority stake in Coinhako, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in Singapore. That transaction includes new capital and the purchase of existing shares pending regulatory approval.
READ MORE: Terra Classic Coin Eyes $0.00010 After 102% Surge in 30 Days
