MV Capital - SBI Holdings Takes Majority Stake in Coinhako for Southeast Asia Growth

SBI Holdings has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Singapore-based crypto exchange Coinhako following regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The move strengthens the Japanese group's position in regional digital asset markets

Acquisition Details and Timeline

SBI Holdings executed the transaction on July 16, 2026, through its Singapore subsidiary SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd. The deal involved capital injection into Holdbuild Pte. Ltd., Coinhako's parent company, along with purchases of shares from existing shareholders. This resulted in Coinhako becoming a consolidated subsidiary within the SBI Group.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore granted the necessary approvals for the capital injection and share acquisition. Coinhako first came under consideration earlier in the year, with the final steps completed swiftly after clearance.

Key Transaction ElementsMajority ownership achieved via capital injection and share purchases
Regulatory approval secured from Singapore's Monetary Authority
Transaction closed on July 16, 2026
Coinhako now operates as consolidated subsidiary

Coinhako's Operations and Regulatory Standing

Coinhako, established around 2013-2014, serves retail and institutional clients across Southeast Asia. It operates primarily through Hako Technology Pte. Ltd., which holds a Major Payment Institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Its affiliate, Alpha Hako Ltd., maintains registration as a crypto asset service provider in the British Virgin Islands.

This licensed infrastructure provides SBI Holdings with immediate access to an established customer base, operational expertise, and compliance framework in one of Asia's key financial centers.

Strategic Integration and Future Plans

SBI Holdings intends to merge Coinhako's regional network with its existing financial services, technology platforms, and digital asset initiatives. Focus areas include cross-border trading, stablecoin applications, tokenization efforts, and on-chain finance solutions.

The acquisition aligns with SBI's development of JPYSC, a yen-backed stablecoin project. Integration opportunities may extend to tokenized products and enhanced payment services connecting Japan and Southeast Asian markets.

“We are very pleased that Coinhako, with its solid customer base and business know-how, has joined the SBI Group. By quickly realizing various synergies between the two companies, we will provide next-generation financial services as soon as possible.”Yoshitaka Kitao, Chairman and President of SBI Holdings

“For the past 10 years, we have built from the ground up Southeast Asia’s most trusted and legally compliant cryptocurrency platform in the world’s most advanced regulatory environment.”Yusho Liu, Coinhako Co-Founder and CEO

Broader Context of SBI's Digital Asset Activities

This transaction forms part of a series of steps by SBI Holdings in the digital asset space. Recent actions include the planned acquisition of Japanese exchange Bitbank for approximately $289 million, leadership in EDX Markets' $76 million funding round, and investment in Gauntlet.

Partnerships with entities such as Ondo Finance for tokenized Japanese equities and the Solana Foundation further indicate efforts to advance infrastructure for institutional use cases in payments, settlements, and asset tokenization.

Recent SBI Digital Asset Moves	Description
Bitbank Acquisition	Agreement for nearly $289 million to expand Japanese crypto exchange capabilities
EDX Markets Investment	Led $76 million Series C funding
Ondo Finance Partnership	Support for tokenized equities and related products
JPYSC Stablecoin	Development of yen-backed stablecoin with Startale

The Coinhako acquisition provides SBI with a regulated entry point in Singapore, supporting its goal of building connected digital asset services across Asia. Both companies expect operational synergies to develop in the coming periods.