Japanese financial services giant SBI Holdings has officially completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform Coinhako, making the exchange a consolidated subsidiary as the company accelerates its push to build a regulated digital asset ecosystem across Asia.
The acquisition, which became effective on July 16, follows the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The transaction was carried out through SBI Holdings’ wholly owned Singapore subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd., which injected fresh capital into Coinhako while also purchasing shares from existing shareholders.
Although the companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal or the exact size of SBI’s ownership stake, the move gives the Japanese financial conglomerate control over one of Singapore’s longest-running regulated crypto platforms.
SBI doubles down on regulated crypto infrastructure
SBI Holdings first announced its intention to acquire Coinhako in February, describing the deal as a key milestone in its broader digital asset strategy. With regulatory approvals now secured, Coinhako officially joins the SBI Group as a consolidated subsidiary.
Founded in 2014, Coinhako has grown into one of Singapore’s leading crypto asset platforms. The company primarily operates through Hako Technology Pte. Ltd., which holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license issued by MAS, allowing it to provide regulated digital payment token services in Singapore. The group also operates Alpha Hako Ltd., a virtual asset service provider registered with the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission.
For SBI, the acquisition provides immediate access to one of Asia’s most mature and well-regulated digital asset markets without having to build a licensed exchange from scratch.
The Japanese financial group has been steadily expanding its presence in blockchain, tokenization, digital securities, and stablecoins. Bringing Coinhako under its umbrella strengthens that strategy while giving the company a stronger operational base in Southeast Asia.
Tokenization and stablecoins remain central to SBI’s strategy
In the announcement, SBI Holdings Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao said the acquisition goes beyond purchasing a crypto exchange and represents another step toward creating global infrastructure for tokenized finance.
According to Kitao, the growing tokenization of financial assets is increasing the need for regulated digital asset infrastructure capable of supporting cross-border financial services.
He added that integrating Coinhako into SBI’s existing digital asset ecosystem would help expand the company’s “global corridor” for digital assets while supporting the development of tokenized securities and stablecoins.
The strategy aligns with several of SBI’s recent blockchain initiatives, including investments in tokenized securities, digital banking infrastructure, and stablecoin development aimed at connecting traditional finance with blockchain-based financial services.
Coinhako eyes institutional growth
Coinhako’s leadership also positioned the acquisition as an opportunity to accelerate the platform’s next phase of growth.
Co-Founder and CEO Yusho Liu said the partnership would enable Coinhako to scale its institutional-grade infrastructure by leveraging SBI Group’s financial resources, international network, and expertise in regulated financial services.
Liu noted that both companies share a vision of making Singapore a key hub for the next generation of digital finance, particularly as demand for tokenized assets and stablecoin-based payment infrastructure continues to increase across Asia.
Coinhako has spent more than a decade building retail and institutional crypto services throughout Southeast Asia, and the SBI partnership could significantly expand its regional reach.
Why the acquisition matters
The deal reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions increasing investments in regulated crypto infrastructure instead of launching entirely new platforms.
Singapore has emerged as one of the world’s most important digital asset jurisdictions thanks to its licensing framework under the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Rather than navigating the lengthy licensing process independently, SBI gains immediate access to an established platform operating under one of the region’s most respected regulatory regimes.
The acquisition also strengthens competition among Asian financial groups racing to establish regulated digital asset ecosystems spanning exchanges, tokenization platforms, custody services, and stablecoin infrastructure.
As institutional adoption of blockchain technology continues to grow, regulated exchanges like Coinhako are increasingly becoming strategic assets for financial firms looking to bridge traditional finance with digital assets.
With Coinhako now operating as a consolidated subsidiary, SBI is expected to integrate the exchange into its broader digital asset ecosystem, potentially supporting future initiatives involving tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and stablecoin-based financial products.
While no immediate changes have been announced for Coinhako users, the acquisition signals SBI’s continued commitment to expanding its digital asset footprint beyond Japan and positioning itself as a major player in Asia’s evolving crypto economy.
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