Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing to classify cryptocurrencies as eligible assets for exchange-traded funds, potentially opening the door for crypto ETFs to trade by 2028, according to Nikkei. The move would allow digital assets to be included under the country’s Investment Trust Act, expanding regulated access for retail investors.
Industry estimates cited by Nikkei suggest crypto ETFs in Japan could attract up to 1 trillion yen, or about $6.4 billion, in assets. A 2028 launch would place Japan several years behind the US, where spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs have already accumulated significant institutional inflows since debuting in 2024.
Major financial groups including SBI Holdings and Nomura Holdings have indicated interest in launching crypto ETF products, though any offering would still require approval from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The initiative reflects Japan’s broader effort to integrate digital assets into traditional capital markets under a regulated framework.
