XRP Liquidity Signals Hidden Asset Potential

What to Know:

• SBI CEO clarifies the firm owns 9% of Ripple Labs, not $10B in XRP as speculated after an X user claimed SBI holds $10 billion in XRP and is expanding further into Asia through its acquisition of Coinhako.
• SBI’s “hidden asset” exposure could surpass $10B via equity in Ripple’s ecosystem, including its technology stack, global partnerships, and XRP holdings.
• The Japanese giant expands in Asia, moving to acquire Coinhako for a stronger crypto network, and plans XRP & Bitcoin ETFs in Tokyo, tying growth to Ripple stake and long-term goals.

Excitement is building around XRP as Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of SBI Holdings, addressed the firm’s Ripple exposure. Kitao clarified that SBI does not hold $10 billion in XRP, but owns approximately 9% of Ripple Labs. This distinction shifts the focus to SBI’s broader stake in Ripple’s ecosystem, which could significantly exceed the speculated XRP holdings.

9% of Ripple, Not XRP Asset

Kitao’s clarification shifts the focus from direct XRP holdings to equity ownership in Ripple itself. This suggests that SBI’s “hidden asset” could exceed the speculative $10 billion XRP figure, particularly if Ripple pursues an IPO at a high valuation. Owning 9% of Ripple provides exposure to the company’s technology, partnerships, and XRP escrow holdings.

When it comes to Ripple Lab.’s total valuation which obviously include its ecosystem that Ripple has created,
that would be enormous. SBI owns more
than 9 % of that much.

— 北尾吉孝 (@yoshitaka_kitao) February 15, 2026

Market speculation has previously suggested that a Ripple public listing could value the company north of $100 billion. However, no official timeline has been confirmed.

Notably, Ripple holds just over 39 billion XRP worth $57 billion at current prices. At XRP’s peak value of $3.66, the company’s XRP holding alone exceeded $142 billion.

SBI Expands in Asia With Coinhako Acquisition

The renewed attention on SBI’s Ripple stake comes as the Japanese financial giant deepens its digital asset footprint in Asia. SBI announced that its unit, SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd., plans to buy a majority stake in Singapore-based crypto platform Coinhako. Coinhako operates under Hako Technology, licensed by Singapore’s regulator, and Alpha Hako Ltd., regulated in the British Virgin Islands.

Upon completion and regulatory approval, Coinhako will become part of SBI Holdings. CEO Kitao called the deal a strategic move to build a stronger digital asset network across Asia, including tokenized stocks and stablecoins. This acquisition strengthens SBI’s position in the Asian digital asset market, aligning with the broader trend of institutional expansion in the region.

XRP ETFs and Institutional Momentum

SBI’s confidence in Ripple also aligns with its growing crypto ambitions in Japan. Recent filings indicate the company wants to launch a Crypto Asset ETF that includes Bitcoin and XRP, as well as another product combining Bitcoin and gold. The ETF is planned for the Tokyo Stock Exchange, pending approval. The potential launch of an XRP ETF in Tokyo could significantly increase liquidity and institutional interest in XRP.

Such a move would mirror the impact of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., potentially attracting substantial inflows from traditional financial institutions. However, regulatory approval remains a key hurdle, and the timeline for launch remains uncertain. The success of Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. provides a model, but the Japanese regulatory environment may present unique challenges.

SBI Holding

Notably, SBI Holdings is a major Japanese financial group expanding aggressively into digital assets, including Bitcoin and XRP. As of 2025, it manages ¥10 trillion in assets under management and aims to grow its crypto business through investments, ETFs, and strategic stakes like its 9% holding in Ripple. SBI has stated that the value of its 9% stake in Ripple will only be officially recorded after Ripple goes public or has a similar valuation event. Earlier reports suggest unlocking that value could help push SBI’s crypto business toward its long-term ¥1 trillion goal.

SBI’s strategic moves reflect a broader trend of financial institutions recognizing the potential of digital assets. As regulatory frameworks evolve and institutional infrastructure matures, more companies may follow suit, further integrating crypto into the traditional financial system. The interplay between regulatory approvals, market demand, and technological advancements will shape the future landscape of digital assets.

Related: Bitcoin Forecast: Strategy Targets $8K

Source: Original article