Japan's major financial institutions are gearing up to introduce crypto investment trusts aimed at retail investors, as regulatory changes are anticipated by 2028. The Financial Services Agency has initiated revisions to the Investment Trust Act, which would allow these trusts to include cryptocurrencies as specified assets.
SBI Securities is developing funds through its subsidiary, SBI Global Asset Management, focusing on liquid assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Similarly, Rakuten Securities is collaborating with Rakuten Investment Management to create products that will be accessible via smartphone applications.
This initiative will significantly change how average Japanese citizens can invest in cryptocurrencies, as it eliminates the need for setting up separate exchange accounts. Other major players like Nomura and Daiwa are also planning to launch their own crypto investment trusts, while SMBC Group and Asset Management One are exploring their options for participation in the crypto market.
As interest in digital assets grows, the regulatory approval and launch of these investment trusts could lead to broader retail access to cryptocurrencies in Japan, previously restricted to traditional trading platforms.