SBI Holdings Takes Majority Stake in Singapore Crypto Exchange Coinhako

Japanese financial group SBI Holdings has taken a majority stake in Coinhako, a Monetary Authority of Singapore-licensed crypto exchange. The deal closed July 16 after SBI received approval from the MAS.

SBI completed the acquisition through a capital injection and a share purchase from Coinhako's existing shareholders. The exchange now operates as a consolidated subsidiary of SBI. The transaction value was not disclosed.

SBI Ventures Asset, the group's Singapore-based arm, holds the stake through Coinhako parent company Holdbuild. Coinhako's licensed subsidiary, Hako Technology, holds a Major Payment Institution license from the MAS. A separate entity, Alpha Hako, is registered as a crypto asset service provider with the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission.

SBI Holdings has identified Singapore as a core hub for digital asset expansion across Asia-Pacific. The group is also developing blockchain-based financial infrastructure with partner Startale. The collaboration includes JPYSC, marketed as Japan's first trust-type yen-denominated stablecoin.

SBI Holdings Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao said the group aims to create a global corridor for digital assets. "Our group aims to create a global corridor for digital assets by connecting exchanges worldwide, enabling investors worldwide to make optimal investments without being hindered by borders or currency barriers," he said.