Key facts
- SBI Holdings and the Solana Foundation have launched a joint venture called SBI Solana Global.
- The new entity aims to build Japan's first on-chain financial market.
- Key focus areas include stablecoin issuance, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and cross-border settlement.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) is also a shareholder in the joint venture.
- The venture leverages Japan's regulatory clarity in stablecoins and tokenized assets.
SBI Holdings and the Solana Foundation have officially announced a strategic collaboration to establish SBI Solana Global, a new joint venture designed to build Japan’s first on-chain financial market. This move signals SBI Solana Global's intent to connect Japan to global liquidity and position the country as a hub for on-chain finance in Asia.
The new entity, based on SBI R3 Japan Co., Ltd., will see the Solana Foundation acquire a stake alongside SBI Holdings and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG). The venture's core focus areas include stablecoin issuance and distribution, such as the existing JPYSC (yen-backed stablecoin); tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) including corporate bonds, commercial papers, funds, and real estate; cross-border settlement infrastructure; on-chain financial services for institutional investors; and next-generation payment rails for AI agents.
This initiative follows SBI's recent activities in the crypto sector, including the debut of its JPYSC stablecoin on Ethereum and the activation of Solana trading and custody services in June 2026. The partnership is seen as significant due to Japan's advanced legal framework for stablecoins and tokenized assets, offering regulatory clarity that provides SBI Solana Global a competitive advantage in Asia. SBI's prior engagement with Ripple for RLUSD stablecoin distribution indicates a broader strategy involving multiple stablecoins and chains, with Solana now central to its tokenized RWA and institutional settlement efforts.