SBI Holdings, a prominent financial conglomerate in Japan, has introduced its inaugural blockchain-based bond targeting individual investors. This issuance, valued at 10 billion yen (approximately $64.5 million), merges traditional fixed-income characteristics with innovative blockchain settlement and cryptocurrency incentives.
Named the SBI START Bonds, these securities are managed entirely on the blockchain through the “ibet for Fin” platform developed by BOOSTRY, a specialized provider for security token issuance. The bonds carry a fixed interest rate ranging from 1.85% to 2.45%, with interest payments scheduled on a semiannual basis.
In addition to the interest payments, investors are eligible to earn rewards in XRP tokens. According to SBI, retail investors and companies that invest over 100,000 yen (around $650) and maintain an account with SBI VC Trade can receive XRP rewards that correspond to their investment amounts. Specifically, investors will receive 200 yen in XRP for every 100,000 yen invested, distributed at the time of issuance and on each interest payment date through 2029.
The bonds are set to commence secondary trading on March 25 via the Osaka Digital Exchange’s proprietary trading system known as “START.” This initiative reflects SBI’s ongoing commitment to integrating blockchain technology within its financial services.
SBI Holdings has a long-standing relationship with Ripple, having formed a partnership in 2016. The company has actively supported XRP, with a subsidiary distributing XRP directly to shareholders and facilitating XRP-based remittances between Japan and the Philippines. SBI’s Chairman and CEO, Yoshitaka Kitao, has indicated that the firm holds approximately 9% of Ripple Labs.
Founded in 1999 as a subsidiary of SoftBank, SBI Holdings became an independent entity in 2006 and has since evolved into a major player in the financial sector, reporting annual revenues exceeding $8 billion. The company began its exploration of blockchain technology through its collaboration with Ripple, which led to the establishment of SBI Ripple Asia.
In addition to its bond offerings, SBI has also ventured into the realm of stablecoins, partnering with Circle to introduce USDC in Japan and signing a memorandum of understanding with Ripple to distribute its RLUSD stablecoin.
SBI Holdings has launched its first blockchain-based bond, the SBI START Bonds, offering fixed interest rates and XRP rewards. This initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to integrating blockchain technology into its financial services.