The Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank has disclosed that it reached an agreement on June 24 to join the SBI Group. The company stated that during the transition, its existing services will remain unaffected, and users can continue to trade and use their account features as usual.
After the transaction is completed, it will be incorporated into the SBI system.
According to Bitbank's statement, this transaction is part of its planned integration into the SBI Group. Prior to this, market reports indicated that SBI Holdings had been in discussions with Bitbank since May, aiming to incorporate it as a subsidiary through share acquisition.
If the transaction is completed, SBI’s integration within Japan’s cryptocurrency trading market will accelerate further. In April 2026, SBI VC Trade absorbed Bitpoint Japan, consolidating additional exchange resources within the group.
Bitbank states that existing services will remain unchanged.
Bitbank stated that this agreement will not affect existing services, and users can continue to use the platform's original features. The company also did not announce any changes to branding, trading pairs, or customer terms in its latest statement.
Such mergers and acquisitions typically raise user concerns about account migration, custody methods, fees, and product overlap. Bitbank is first emphasizing service continuity to reduce related uncertainties.
SBI continues to expand its cryptocurrency business footprint.
Bitbank has operated for years in Japan’s regulated crypto market, offering spot trading, lending, and payment services related to digital assets. For SBI, completing the full acquisition will further strengthen its trading platform capabilities and create synergies with the group’s existing banking, securities, insurance, and digital asset businesses.
This year, SBI has also advanced several cryptocurrency product initiatives in Japan, including launching a crypto rewards card in partnership with Visa and Aplus, and introducing Ripple’s USD stablecoin, RLUSD, through SBI VC Trade after receiving approval from the Financial Services Agency.
From a business perspective, SBI is not only expanding its exchange platform but also integrating crypto assets with payments, rewards, settlements, stablecoins, and tokenized assets.
- June 24: Bitbank discloses agreement with SBI
- April 2026: SBI VC Trade absorbs Bitpoint Japan
- Recently: SBI is advancing RLUSD and crypto rewards card services in Japan.
The Japanese crypto market is currently in a phase of regulatory adjustment. As regulatory requirements and compliance costs rise, large financial groups may further strengthen their advantages in capital, licensing, and product synergy. Following its integration into the SBI system, Bitbank could contribute to a continued consolidation trend in Japan’s crypto exchange market.
Additional information: The original text mentions that Bitbank previously partnered with EPOS Card to launch a product allowing credit card bills to be paid with Bitcoin, indicating that its payment services already have a solid foundation.