Rebecca Cruz SBI Holdings plans to acquire a controlling stake in Singapore crypto exchange Coinhako, marking a major move to expand its digital asset presence across Asia and strengthen its blockchain ecosystem.
SBI Holdings targets majority stake in Singapore crypto exchange Coinhako to expand Asia presence
Japan’s financial powerhouse SBI Holdings is making bold moves to expand its influence across Asia’s digital asset landscape. The company has signed a letter of intent to secure a majority stake in Singapore crypto exchange Coinhako, setting the stage for one of the region’s most significant cross-border crypto acquisitions.
The transaction, once finalized, will give SBI Holdings control over Coinhako, a licensed trading platform under Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The deal aligns with SBI’s growing ambition to cement itself as a dominant force in the next era of global financial infrastructure powered by blockchain and digital assets.
SBI Holdings revealed that its subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset, will inject capital into Coinhako’s parent company Holdbuild while purchasing shares from existing investors. Though financial terms remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear to transform Coinhako into a consolidated subsidiary and establish a regulated operational hub in Singapore, one of Asia’s most advanced digital finance jurisdictions.
Coinhako strengthens Singapore’s crypto ecosystem
Founded in Singapore, Coinhako has earned its position as one of the most recognized crypto trading platforms in the region. It operates under Hako Technology, which holds a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, enabling regulated access to trading services for both retail and institutional investors.
In addition, the group runs Alpha Hako, a registered virtual asset service provider regulated by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission. This dual structure allows Coinhako to serve clients across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining a strong compliance framework.
Coinhako co-founder and CEO Yusho Liu described the partnership as a defining milestone for the company’s long-term growth. He stated that joining forces with SBI Holdings would enhance the exchange’s institutional capabilities and enable the rollout of advanced tokenization and stablecoin initiatives. This collaboration, Liu added, ensures that Singapore continues to play a central role in global digital finance innovation.
SBI Holdings deepens its blockchain footprint across Asia
For SBI Holdings, the investment in Coinhako is more than an equity deal. It is part of the firm’s strategic mission to establish an international network supporting digital asset markets, tokenized securities, and stablecoins.
Over recent years, SBI has been consistently expanding its blockchain ventures. The company’s chairman and CEO Yoshitaka Kitao emphasized that the integration of Coinhako into the SBI Group represents a step toward creating infrastructure that supports the global circulation of digital assets.
The move follows several high-profile blockchain collaborations by SBI Holdings. In December 2025, the group partnered with Web3 infrastructure firm Startale Group to create a fully regulated stablecoin pegged to the Japanese yen. The stablecoin will be issued and redeemed by Shinsei Trust and Banking, a unit under SBI Shinsei Bank, and distributed via SBI VC Trade, a licensed exchange in Japan. This initiative aims to support tokenized asset markets and facilitate seamless cross-border payments across the Asia-Pacific region.
Earlier, in August 2025, SBI partnered with blockchain oracle network Chainlink to develop digital asset solutions tailored for financial institutions. This collaboration focused on enhancing the transparency and reliability of data flows between traditional banking systems and decentralized financial applications.
These strategic partnerships and acquisitions highlight how SBI Holdings is positioning itself at the intersection of finance, blockchain, and regulatory innovation. With Coinhako joining its network, the company gains not only a foothold in Singapore’s regulated crypto market but also access to a regional base that connects to Southeast Asia’s growing digital economy.
Building a regulated bridge between Japan and Singapore
The potential acquisition is expected to benefit both sides of the partnership. For Coinhako, the backing of a Japanese financial conglomerate provides access to vast institutional resources, including banking expertise, liquidity management, and compliance infrastructure. For SBI Holdings, the deal delivers a gateway into Singapore’s thriving crypto ecosystem and its well-established regulatory environment.
Industry observers note that the partnership could accelerate the adoption of tokenized assets and stablecoins across the region. Singapore’s progressive regulatory stance on digital finance makes it an ideal launchpad for institutional-grade blockchain services that meet international compliance standards.
Yusho Liu reaffirmed that Coinhako’s mission remains centered on creating secure and transparent gateways for digital asset adoption. Through its collaboration with SBI Holdings, the platform aims to meet rising institutional demand while introducing innovative products aligned with global financial trends.
A strategic vision for the future of digital assets
SBI Holdings has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building a global digital asset ecosystem. Its expansion into Singapore through Coinhako represents the next phase in that strategy bridging Japan’s regulated markets with Singapore’s thriving fintech sector.
The move reflects a broader industry trend of traditional financial institutions partnering with or acquiring crypto platforms to gain a stronger foothold in regulated digital asset markets. As the crypto economy matures, such integrations are becoming essential for driving institutional adoption and ensuring long-term stability.
By acquiring Coinhako, SBI Holdings not only enhances its competitive position but also strengthens the infrastructure necessary for the future of tokenized finance. The combination of Japanese financial discipline and Singapore’s innovation-friendly environment could serve as a model for other financial groups exploring blockchain-driven expansion across Asia.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
