SBI Holdings Strengthens Asia Crypto Footprint With Coinhako Purchase

Expansion into Singapore gives the Japanese financial group a stronger foothold in Asia’s crypto market.

SBI Holdings has taken another step in its digital asset expansion with a majority acquisition of Coinhako. Approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore cleared the way for the deal, giving the Japanese financial group a stronger presence in Southeast Asia. Coinhako will now operate as an SBI consolidated subsidiary as both companies work toward broader digital finance services across the region.

MAS Clears SBI Holdings’ Majority Acquisition of Coinhako

SBI Holdings has acquired a majority stake in Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform Coinhako, following approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The firm confirmed it completed the acquisition on July 16 through its Singapore subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd.

In addition, a capital injection into Holdbuild Pte. Ltd., Coinhako’s parent company, alongside the purchase of shares from existing investors, was included. However, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Coinhako has established itself as one of Singapore’s early cryptocurrency platforms. Operations are led by Hako Technology Pte. Ltd., which holds a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Another group company, Alpha Hako Ltd., is registered as a crypto asset service provider with the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission.

Coinhako Deal Advances Asia’s Cross-Border Crypto Finance Push

SBI Holdings said the acquisition is part of its broader strategy to expand its digital asset business across Asia-Pacific, with Singapore serving as a key hub for those efforts. As part of that plan, the company is already working with Startale to develop blockchain-based financial infrastructure. 

One of the projects includes JPYSC, Japan’s first trust-based yen stablecoin, alongside other on-chain financial services. The firm expects Coinhako’s established customer base, regional expertise, and regulatory experience to complement its own financial services and technology operations. 

Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao said SBI’s long-term goal is to build a global digital asset corridor that connects exchanges across multiple markets. He described Singapore as a key jurisdiction because of its advanced digital asset regulations and said Coinhako’s experience would strengthen SBI Holdings’ expansion across Asia.

Coinhako co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Yusho Liu said joining SBI Holdings marks the company’s next stage of growth after spending more than a decade building a regulated cryptocurrency platform in Singapore. According to Liu, access to SBI’s broader financial ecosystem and international network will help Coinhako expand its digital finance services across Southeast Asia.

SBI also noted that 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. As part of its regional commitment, the company plans to hold its first overseas branch managers’ meeting in Singapore later this summer while expanding cooperation with local businesses and financial institutions.