Japan’s prominent Bitcoin investor, Metaplanet, often dubbed the “Japanese MicroStrategy,” has formed a strategic alliance with SBI VC Trade, the crypto investment wing of SBI Group — a known partner of Ripple. Announced by Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich on Sept. 2 via X, the partnership aims to strengthen Bitcoin trading and custody services, enhancing the investor’s corporate Bitcoin accumulation strategy.
Metaplanet’s collaboration with SBI VC Trade focuses on accessing a compliant corporate custody service designed to optimize tax efficiency and utilize Bitcoin as collateral for financing. The company emphasized its commitment to exploring tools that enhance financial flexibility, assuring stakeholders that any material developments will be communicated promptly.
SBI Group, a major financial services provider in Japan, will offer comprehensive support to Metaplanet, assisting with Bitcoin trading, storage, and operational strategies. SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, operates within Japan’s regulatory framework, providing a secure environment for cryptocurrency investments.
Among the innovative services SBI provides is an “Exclusion Service for End-of-Period Valuation Taxation,” introduced in June 2024, which allows corporate crypto investors to manage assets without facing end-of-period valuation taxes. This move is expected to bolster confidence among long-term investors.
Additionally, SBI VC Trade grants Metaplanet access to leveraged trading with real margin, allowing the use of all supported crypto assets as collateral. This partnership reflects SBI Group’s commitment to advancing the cryptocurrency landscape, as it continues to collaborate with Ripple and expand its influence in the crypto market.