TLDR
- Six major Japanese asset management firms are preparing to launch Bitcoin investment trusts.
- The Financial Services Agency is reviewing laws to allow crypto assets in investment trusts.
- SBI Global Asset Management plans to manage $32 billion in crypto-related funds.
- Nomura Asset Management has systems ready to launch Bitcoin products once regulations change.
- Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management is exploring Bitcoin investment and has worked on blockchain projects.
Japan’s major asset managers have begun creating frameworks to offer Bitcoin investment trusts as financial rule changes near approval.
Bitcoin Investment Trusts Under Review
Japan’s top financial firms are preparing Bitcoin-related products as policymakers move to revise investment regulations. Six asset management companies confirmed they are assessing or building strategies for crypto investment trusts.
These firms include Daiwa, Nomura, Mitsubishi UFJ, SBI, Amova, and Asset Management One.
Under current rules, digital assets such as Bitcoin are excluded from investment trusts.
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is now reviewing this framework. It may reclassify crypto assets as financial instruments under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
This change would allow regulated Bitcoin investment trusts. To enable this, Japan would also need to amend its Investment Trust Act.
SBI Targets Bitcoin and Ether ETFs
SBI Global Asset Management plans to launch exchange-traded funds based on Bitcoin and Ether. The company also aims to create diversified investment trusts focused on digital assets.
SBI has set a three-year target to manage $32 billion in crypto-related funds. It confirmed that Bitcoin will be a core asset in its future portfolios.
A company spokesperson stated, “We are building a framework that will be ready once the law is updated.” The FSA has acknowledged these preparations and is considering its own proposals.
The new legislation is expected during Japan’s 2026 parliamentary session. Crypto would then be taxed similarly to equities with a 20% flat rate.
Nomura and Mitsubishi UFJ Prepare Launch Systems
Nomura Asset Management has created internal teams for developing crypto-related products. The company confirmed it is prepared to launch Bitcoin-based offerings once regulations change.
Nomura stated that all internal systems are in place for a rapid market entry. It will target both institutional and retail segments with future Bitcoin investment trusts.
Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management has shown interest in the crypto market. It is a unit of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which manages assets worth $2.7 trillion.
The group has worked on blockchain projects including stablecoin interoperability. This signals its readiness to expand into regulated Bitcoin investments.
Daiwa, Amova, and Asset Management One Explore Market Entry
Daiwa Asset Management expressed plans to offer Bitcoin-based investment trust products. Its assets under management stood at $213 billion as of March 2024.
Amova Asset Management and Asset Management One are investigating potential entry into the Bitcoin investment space. They are currently conducting internal reviews and assessing market potential.
Both firms plan to target retail and institutional investors. Their strategies will activate when new financial regulations permit Bitcoin-based offerings.
Japan’s FSA has received proposals from these firms and acknowledged the industry’s interest. The agency is considering allowing Bitcoin investment trusts in the public financial system.
According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the FSA aims to expand participation in digital assets. Bitcoin investment products could bring broader retail engagement.
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