Japan may lift the ban on crypto ETFs in 2028, with SBI and Nomura pushing forward the development of related products.

PANews January 26 News, according to Nikkei, Japan’s Financial Services Agency expects to lift the ban on spot cryptocurrency ETFs such as Bitcoin by 2028. To achieve this goal, authorities plan to amend the Enforcement Order of the Investment Trust Act to classify virtual currencies as “specified assets” that can be invested in by investment trusts. Reportedly, large financial institutions such as SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings are already advancing the development of related products. If approved by the Tokyo Stock Exchange for listing, individual investors will be able to trade virtual currency ETFs through securities accounts, just like buying and selling stocks or gold ETFs. Previously, surveys showed that at least six asset management companies are researching and developing related products, targeting both individual and institutional investors. The lifting of the ban is contingent upon tax reform. Currently, Japan applies comprehensive taxation to virtual assets, with a top tax rate of 55%. Discussions are underway to adjust this to separate taxation with a unified rate of 20%. The report analyzes that this move will expand the asset allocation options for both individual and institutional investors.