Franklin Templeton Backs Proposed XRP and Bitcoin ETF in Japan
- Franklin Templeton Backs XRP ETF with SBI in Japan
- Proposal includes ETFs with Bitcoin, XRP, and gold
- FSA considers regulatory change for cryptocurrency ETFs
Franklin Templeton, a global asset manager with over ¥300 trillion under management, is supporting a proposal by SBI Holdings to launch two crypto index funds in Japan, including an ETF focused on XRP and Bitcoin. The initiative marks the first formal application for a spot ETF for these assets in the country.
SBI just filed for a Bitcoin and XRP ETF in Japan and this is way bigger than most people realize. We're talking about a $214B financial powerhouse that's been backing XRP for years through Ripple partnerships, now pushing for regulated exposure on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. If… https://t.co/LXa02kzOX5
— Michael (@Michael1859668) August 7, 2025
The funds were detailed on August 1st in SBI investor materials. One product offers direct exposure to XRP and Bitcoin in a single vehicle, while the other combines up to 49% digital assets with gold, diversifying risk with a traditional asset.
This move follows the formalization of a joint venture between SBI and Franklin Templeton in July, aimed at developing regulated digital financial products. Franklin Templeton will contribute infrastructure and compliance expertise, leveraging its experience with over 100 ETFs listed in various markets.
The proposal comes at a time of regulatory review in Japan. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is discussing the reclassification of cryptoassets as financial instruments and studying a new tax model, which provides for a flat 20% tax rate on cryptocurrency profits. The change would allow cryptocurrency ETFs to be approved within the existing legal framework.
SBI has long-standing exposure to XRP through Ripple, of which it is one of the largest external shareholders. Its subsidiary SBI Remit operates international remittance corridors based on the token. If approved, the ETF could solidify XRP as an institutional asset in Japan, a market where it already enjoys significant acceptance.
Despite this, there are concerns about XRP's liquidity compared to Bitcoin. With spot ETFs requiring real-time asset value monitoring, this disparity could affect the funds' operational efficiency. Domestic institutional demand also remains a variable, as cryptocurrency ETFs have been experiencing outflows in other markets.
There is no set timetable for the launch yet. Approval depends on parliamentary progress and final definitions regarding custody, price data integrity, and leverage rules. If approved, Japan could become the first major economy to authorize a spot XRP ETF.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
You may also like
How much CPO demand will Nvidia Rubin Ultra generate? Bernstein: Optical value per Pod will increase fivefold
Bernstein believes that the co-packaged optics (CPO) and fiber demand driven by Nvidia's Rubin Ultra architecture will surge significantly, with the optical content per Pod rising from $1 million to $5.4 million. This will propel the size of Nvidia's optical ecosystem market to $46.8 billion by 2028 (a 91% annual increase). Although the industry faces supply bottlenecks with InP substrates, the outlook remains positive. The institution reiterates its “outperform” rating for Lumentum, Coherent, and Ciena.
UBS Q3 implements a two-way strategy with gold options, heavily invests in technology stocks, and builds positions in SK Hynix (SKHY.US)
UBS Group (UBS.US) has submitted its Q3 holdings report (13F) as of September 30, 2026.
SpaceX (SPCX.US) reportedly attempts “de-Nvidiaization” at the rack level: developing Kessel cabinets to bypass L6 compute boards, purchasing only chips
SemiAnalysis: SpaceX has developed its own Kessel cabinet, bypassing Nvidia's L6 cards to provide more options for manufacturing its own hardware.
$3.7 billion “data center power equipment prepayments” abandoned! What did "the most active buyer of gas turbines", SoftBank, see?
In the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, SoftBank reported a net loss of $7.1 billion, primarily due to a $3.7 billion impairment charge from a $9.5 billion advance payment for power generation equipment for US data centers—of which about $2.9 billion was non-refundable and effectively lost. The CFO admitted that SoftBank placed orders before the project plan was finalized, and is now conducting a comprehensive review of its procurement strategy. "The most aggressive purchaser of gas turbines has now written off the deposit in this way."
Crypto prices
More
