Japanese banks to pay interest on deposits in cryptocurrency. To begin in autumn 2026
Breaking news! The Nikkei reported on 8 June that SBI Shinsei Bank will launch a service this autumn whereby customers will be issued vouchers that can be exchanged for cryptocurrency based on their deposit balances. According to the report, SBI Shinsei Bank also plans to promote mutual customer referrals with SBI VC Trade, a cryptocurrency exchange registered with Japan’s Financial Services Agency
In addition to standard interest on yen deposits, users will receive vouchers equivalent to 20% of the interest paid, which can be exchanged for cryptocurrency. SBI Sumishin Bank and the SBI Group are working together to accelerate preparations so that these vouchers can be exchanged for either BTC, ETH or XRP within a specified period
The SBI Group has been making a series of moves to incorporate cryptocurrencies into its retail financial services. SBI VC Trade, a cryptocurrency exchange registered with Japan’s Financial Services Agency, has already launched a service in July 2025 in partnership with Aplus, the SBI Shinsei Bank Group’s consumer finance company, allowing Aplus Points to be exchanged for BTC, ETH or XRP
To participate in this initiative, you must hold accounts with both SBI Shinsei Bank and SBI VC Trade. Please note that this initiative is taking place entirely within Japan
Sauce：SBI Shinsei Bank to reward deposit customers with cryptocurrency; enters referral partnership with VC Trade - Nikkei https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUB012860R00C26A6000000/
