Key Highlights
- The bank converts 20% of deposit interest into cryptocurrency vouchers.
- Vouchers can be exchanged for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP via SBI VC Trade.
- The program spans three months and includes multiple deposit products.
- Account holders need SBI VC Trade registration to claim digital asset rewards.
- SBI Group expands cryptocurrency offerings through banking and securities divisions.
SBI Shinsei Bank has launched a cryptocurrency incentive program targeting deposit account holders. Under this initiative, the financial institution distributes digital asset vouchers equivalent to 20% of interest generated on deposits, while traditional yen interest comprises the remaining portion. Account holders receive access to Bitcoin, Ether, or XRP by redeeming vouchers through SBI VC Trade during a designated timeframe.
The initiative commences with a three-month trial phase encompassing standard and fixed-term deposit accounts. Participating deposit products feature maturity periods spanning from three months to five years. Redemption requires customers to maintain active accounts with SBI VC Trade.
Banking Institution Connects Savings Products With Digital Assets
The Japanese bank transforms a portion of accrued deposit interest into digital currency vouchers. These vouchers represent 20% of total interest accumulated throughout the promotional period. Traditional yen payments account for the remaining 80% of earned interest.
Voucher recipients can exchange their rewards for BTC, ETH, or XRP through the SBI VC Trade platform. Registration with the cryptocurrency exchange becomes mandatory before redemption privileges activate. The institution establishes specific timeframes during which vouchers maintain validity following distribution.
Nikkei reported the program functions as an onboarding mechanism for customers exploring cryptocurrency markets. The framework eliminates direct cryptocurrency purchases from depositors. Voucher allocation scales according to deposit balance size and interest generated.
Both ordinary savings accounts and term deposit products qualify for the program. Available maturity options range from quarterly terms extending to five-year commitments. The Wednesday launch precedes potential permanent program implementation based on campaign performance.
Financial Group Broadens Digital Asset Infrastructure
SBI Group has systematically developed cryptocurrency services throughout its corporate network. On March 18, SBI VC Trade unveiled a consumer-facing USDC lending mechanism. The offering enables participants to lend USDC holdings to the exchange platform under predetermined term arrangements.
The organization designed the USDC product as direct lending to the exchange entity. Participants consequently bear counterparty risk throughout the lending duration. Yield generation corresponds to specified fixed-term contract parameters.
On May 1, SBI Group announced evaluation of a potential equity position in Bitbank. The conglomerate previously finalized the integration of Bitpoint Japan within SBI VC Trade operations. These strategic actions centralize exchange activities under unified corporate oversight.
SBI Securities has developed cryptocurrency-oriented investment vehicles for client distribution. The brokerage division intends to offer trusts and exchange-traded funds created by SBI Global Asset Management. Investment products target digital assets including BTC and ETH.





