Japan’s major asset managers mull crypto investment offerings ahead of major rule changes: report
Major Japanese asset managers are considering launching crypto investment trusts pending regulatory reforms expected by 2026.Summary
Several of Japan's largest wealth management firms, including Daiwa Asset Management and Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management, are preparing to develop the country's first cryptocurrency investment trusts. This move is anticipated as policymakers discuss sweeping regulatory changes that would allow such products, which are currently prohibited under existing rules for investment trusts.
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is considering reclassifying cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, treating them as regulated financial products, and potentially lowering the tax on digital asset gains to a flat 20%. The FSA aims to finalize these legal changes during the 2026 ordinary parliamentary session, which would amend the Investment Trust Act and permit asset managers to offer crypto trusts to retail and institutional investors.
SBI Global Asset Management specifically plans to launch Bitcoin and ether ETFs, aiming to manage $32 billion in assets within three years. Other firms, like Nomura Asset Management, have already established internal task forces to prepare product strategies for the expected regulatory environment.
(Source：The Block)