BlockBeats news: On May 17, SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities plan to begin selling cryptocurrency investment trust products, while several major brokerages, including Nomura Securities, indicated they will consider following suit once a regulatory framework is established. Nikkei surveyed 18 major brokerages, and 11 stated they would consider offering related products after regulations are implemented. SBI Securities plans to sell funds developed by its subsidiary, SBI Global Asset Management, including ETFs and investment trusts covering highly liquid cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, with all development and sales handled internally within the group. Rakuten Securities also plans to collaborate with group affiliates like Rakuten Investment Management to develop products independently, aiming to enable trading of cryptocurrency investment trusts via its mobile app.
On the regulatory front, Japan’s Financial Services Agency is advancing efforts to allow investment trusts and ETFs to include cryptocurrencies, with plans to amend the Enforcement Order of the Investment Trust and Investment Corporation Act by 2028 to classify cryptocurrencies as an eligible asset class for investment trusts. The Japanese government approved the relevant bill amendment on April 10; if passed by the current session of parliament, it is expected to take effect in fiscal year 2027. At that time, the tax rate on cryptocurrency trading gains will be reduced from the current maximum of 55% to 20%, aligning with the rates for stocks and bonds.