SBI VC Trade, the cryptocurrency exchange of SBI Holdings, has reached an impressive milestone of approximately 1.94 million accounts as of April 2026. This figure is set to grow significantly following SBI's announcement of a planned acquisition of Bitbank, which is expected to add around 960,000 accounts, bringing the total close to 2.92 million.
SBI VC Trade has experienced rapid growth. The assets under custody have surged, climbing to ¥600 billion, equivalent to about $4 billion. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 44.6% since March 2023.
#What are the key drivers behind this growth?
The high account growth can be primarily attributed to strategic acquisitions. In addition, during 2024 and 2025, SBI VC Trade expanded its reach by integrating accounts and assets from DMM Bitcoin, and in April 2026, it absorbed assets from Bitpoint Japan.
#How is SBI engaging customers in the cryptocurrency space?
In an innovative move, SBI Shinsei Bank initiated a pilot program on June 10, 2026, permitting depositors to redeem 20% of their deposit interest in cryptocurrency vouchers for popular tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. This initiative targets roughly 4.33 million eligible accounts, although the future of the program will depend on how well it is received during its trial phase.
Moreover, SBI continues to strengthen its commitment to the cryptocurrency ecosystem. In February 2026, the institution issued a blockchain-based bond valued at 10 billion yen, or about $64.5 million, providing retail investors with XRP rewards.
#What does this mean for XRP investors?
For XRP, SBI's extensive integration signifies a consistent demand that is not reliant on speculative trading. With millions of bank customers potentially able to accumulate XRP through earned interest, this creates a unique distribution channel. However, turning 4.33 million bank accounts into participating crypto users requires more than basic infrastructure. It hinges on comprehensive education for users, strict adherence to regulatory standards, and overcoming traditional banking inertia.
In summary, SBI VC Trade is not only charting impressive growth figures but is also paving the way for a more integrated cryptocurrency landscape tailored specifically for both retail investors and traditional banking customers.