SBI Holdings Eyes Bitbank Subsidiary Deal Through Planned Share Acquisition

TLDR

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SBI Holdings has started talks with Bitbank on a capital and business alliance.
SBI aims to make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary after due diligence.
The deal structure and acquisition timing have not been disclosed.
SBI recently merged Bitpoint Japan into SBI VC Trade in April 2026.
Bitbank had earlier prepared for a possible Tokyo Stock Exchange listing.

SBI Holdings has opened talks with Bitbank over a planned subsidiary deal. The move centers on a possible share acquisition after due diligence.

The talks were announced on May 1, 2026. SBI said the deal may form a capital and business alliance with Bitbank.

SBI Starts Talks With Bitbank

SBI Holdings said it had begun formal discussions with Bitbank Co., Ltd. Bitbank operates the Japanese crypto exchange “bitbank.”

The planned deal aims to make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary of SBI. However, the final structure has not been decided.

SBI plans to review Bitbank through due diligence before any share purchase. Internal procedures will also be completed before a deal moves forward.

SBI Holdings in Talks to Acquire Bitbank as Subsidiary
SBI Holdings announced it has entered discussions with Bitbank to form a capital and business alliance, aiming to make Bitbank a consolidated subsidiary through a potential share acquisition after due diligence. The timing… pic.twitter.com/rE6dpTABUd
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 1, 2026

The company has not disclosed the timing of the acquisition. It also has not shared the planned purchase method.

Deal Follows Recent SBI Crypto Moves

The talks come soon after SBI changed its crypto exchange structure. In April 2026, SBI VC Trade absorbed Bitpoint Japan through a merger.

That move was followed by the Bitbank talks in the next month. As a result, SBI is moving quickly in Japan’s crypto market.

Japan is also reviewing crypto assets under financial market rules. These talks may prepare SBI for tighter oversight in the sector.

If completed, Bitbank would add another major exchange to SBI’s group. This would expand SBI’s position in Japan’s crypto platform market.

Bitbank’s IPO Path Draws Attention

Bitbank had earlier prepared for a possible listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Reports said the company had aimed for a listing by mid-2025.

In 2021, Bitbank formed a capital and business alliance with Mixi. It raised about 7 billion yen through that deal.

Mixi became a major shareholder with a 26.2% stake. That helped Bitbank build an independent growth path.

The SBI proposal may affect Bitbank’s earlier listing plans. Market attention will now turn to share talks and shareholder decisions.

Security Record Adds Value to Talks

Bitbank has promoted its security record since its founding. The company has reported zero hacking incidents.

Its stated vision is “realizing an open and fair society.” That record may have made Bitbank attractive to SBI.

Bitbank also has clear brand recognition among Japanese crypto users. Joining SBI could strengthen its service base and financial support.

For now, both companies remain in talks. The final decision will depend on due diligence and future negotiations.