Six Japanese Giants Managing $2.5 Trillion Have Signaled Their Interest in Cryptocurrencies

Japan's six largest asset management firms announced that they are preparing to launch cryptocurrency funds with a combined $2.5 trillion in assets under management.

According to a report published by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management, Nomura Asset Management, SBI Global Asset Management, Daiwa Asset Management, Asemane One, and Amova Asset Management have officially confirmed their interest in crypto investment funds.

Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management is part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, one of the world's largest financial institutions. With approximately $2.7 trillion in total assets, the group has long been working on blockchain projects and stablecoin infrastructures. Interoperability platforms for stablecoins, in particular, have been among the company's priorities in recent years.

Nomura, Japan's largest asset and wealth management company, claims to manage 153 trillion yen in client assets and hold a 15% share of the domestic market.

Another major company, Daiwa Asset Management, was managing approximately $213 billion in assets as of March 2024. All six companies reportedly want to offer crypto investment funds to both individual and institutional investors.

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is also reportedly open to this new wave. Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, “The FSA is considering the approval of investment trusts that include cryptocurrencies. This could further accelerate Japanese investors' shift toward crypto.”

Japan has long been cautious about cryptocurrency following major exchange hacks like Mt. Gox and Coincheck. However, the rapidly changing regulatory landscape in the US and Europe is reshaping Tokyo's approach. The European Union's comprehensive crypto regulation, MiCA, which comes into effect in 2025, and the crypto-friendly stance of US President Donald Trump's administration have shifted expectations in the Japanese financial sector.

Coin Post writer K. Kobayashi stated that the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US has created great anticipation among Japanese investors, saying, “Many Japanese are now looking forward to the establishment of cryptocurrency investment trusts.”