Japanese firms diversify treasuries into Bitcoin and XRP as yen weakens
In brief
- Japanese firms diversify corporate treasuries into Bitcoin and XRP amid weak yen
- SBI VC Trade registered accounts surpass 2 million following BitPoint Japan merger
- Corporate demand rises via shareholder-perk programs and stablecoin lending services
Rising corporate demand in Japan
Use of SBI VC Trade's corporate service, SBIVC for Prime, has grown as the weak yen drives firms to spread reserves beyond cash. Corporate demand for crypto is rising as companies hand out bitcoin or XRP through shareholder-perk programs. This pivot reflects a broader hedging strategy among Japanese corporates seeking to protect balance sheets from currency erosion.
The 2 million figure combines SBI VC Trade's VCTRADE and BITPOINT services. The company plans to fully integrate the two brands around the end of December, streamlining operations across its expanded user base.
Product expansion and market positioning
SBI VC Trade has been expanding its offerings to support this demand. The exchange listed USDC in March 2025 in what it called Japan's first dollar-stablecoin listing. Later, in June 2026 added Ripple's dollar-backed RLUSD alongside JPYSC, a yen-pegged token. The exchange also began offering lending against stablecoins, giving corporate treasurers another tool to optimize their holdings.
Japan's market remains constrained compared to global peers. A strict licensing regime has kept the market smaller than in the U.S. or South Korea, but corporate adoption is accelerating despite these regulatory headwinds. The shift toward tokenized assets and stablecoin infrastructure suggests Japanese firms are finding ways to navigate the existing framework while positioning for broader digital-asset integration.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Japanese companies buying bitcoin and XRP?
A weak yen is pushing Japanese firms to diversify corporate treasuries beyond cash holdings. Bitcoin and XRP offer exposure to alternative assets that can hedge against currency depreciation while providing potential upside.
What is SBIVC for Prime?
SBIVC for Prime is SBI VC Trade's corporate service designed for businesses managing treasury assets. Use of the service has grown as companies seek to diversify reserves into crypto amid yen weakness.
How many users does SBI VC Trade have now?
SBI VC Trade's registered accounts passed 2 million in July 2026, roughly double the 1 million it counted in 2025. The milestone was driven by its April 2026 merger with BitPoint Japan.
