By Anjali Kochhar
SBI Holdings is moving to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia’s digital asset market with plans to acquire a controlling stake in Singapore based cryptocurrency exchange Coinhako, according to industry reports.
The proposed transaction will see Coinhako become a consolidated subsidiary of SBI Holdings once the deal is finalized. The acquisition forms part of SBI’s broader strategy to expand its digital asset footprint across Asia and strengthen its position as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain based services.
While financial terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, SBI is expected to secure a majority stake through a mix of capital injection and the purchase of existing shares. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals in both Singapore and Japan.
Coinhako is among Singapore’s early crypto exchanges and operates under the regulatory framework of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The platform has built a reputation for compliance and serves a large base of retail and institutional investors in the region. Its licensing under Singapore’s Payment Services Act is viewed as a strategic advantage at a time when regulators globally are tightening oversight of digital asset platforms.
The acquisition will also require approval from Japan’s top financial watchdog, the Financial Services Agency, which supervises major financial institutions and crypto exchanges in the country. Market analysts expect the review process to take several months.
SBI has been steadily increasing its exposure to digital assets through investments, partnerships, and the operation of regulated crypto trading platforms in Japan. The group has positioned itself as a long term player in blockchain infrastructure, tokenization, and digital financial services.
Chief Executive Officer Yoshitaka Kitao has previously emphasized the importance of building a strong regional network to support the growth of regulated digital asset markets. The move to acquire Coinhako is widely seen as part of that larger ambition to establish a stronger operational base in Southeast Asia.
For Coinhako, the backing of a major Japanese financial conglomerate could provide additional capital resources, institutional credibility, and access to a broader network of partners across Asia. Industry observers say the transaction signals continued institutional confidence in regulated crypto infrastructure despite ongoing volatility in global digital asset markets.
If completed, the deal could reshape competitive dynamics among licensed exchanges in Singapore and reinforce Asia’s role as a key growth hub for digital finance.
