Japan’s Biggest Brokerages Open a New Door for Bitcoin and Ethereum Investment

May 17, 2026 - 23:14

SBI, Rakuten, and Nomura, three of Japan's biggest financial firms, are moving to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum investment trusts. The move marks a significant shift in how mainstream Japanese investors can access digital assets.

The new trusts will allow investors to buy into cryptocurrency through their regular brokerage accounts, bypassing the need to manage private keys or navigate crypto exchanges directly. This structure mirrors traditional investment products, making it easier for conservative retail clients to gain exposure to the volatile asset class.

Japan has long had a cautious but evolving stance on cryptocurrency. The country was one of the first to legally recognize Bitcoin as a form of payment, yet regulators have maintained strict oversight. By packaging crypto into regulated trust products, these brokerages are effectively bridging the gap between Japan's conservative financial culture and the growing demand for digital assets.

Nomura's move is particularly notable, as the bank has been building out its digital asset arm for years. Rakuten, best known for its e-commerce platform, already operates a crypto exchange, but the trust product offers a more familiar entry point for its millions of retail users. SBI, which has been a vocal supporter of blockchain technology, is expected to leverage its massive client base to drive adoption.

The trusts are expected to launch within the coming months, pending regulatory approval. For Japanese investors, this could mean a simpler, safer way to include Bitcoin and Ethereum in their portfolios without the technical hurdles that have kept many on the sidelines.