SBI Holdings has acquired a majority stake in Singapore-based cryptocurrency platform Coinhako, making the exchange a consolidated subsidiary after receiving approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
The deal was completed through SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd., which injected fresh capital into Coinhako’s parent company, Holdbuild Pte. Ltd., and purchased shares from existing investors.
Coinhako is one of Singapore’s longest-running crypto platforms. It operates through Hako Technology Pte. Ltd., which holds a Major Payment Institution license from MAS, and Alpha Hako Ltd., a crypto asset service provider registered with the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission.
SBI 🤝 Coinhako (Singapore)
“.. Company acquired a majority stake in Coinhako as of July 16, making it a consolidated subsidiary ..” pic.twitter.com/sJTn2aW8L0
— Control_Alt_BTC (@Control_Alt_BTC) July 17, 2026
SBI’s move seen as a long-term crypto bet
The acquisition has been widely viewed as another sign that traditional financial institutions are increasing their commitment to digital assets rather than pulling back. Many community members described the deal as part of SBI’s long-term strategy, arguing that regulated crypto businesses are becoming increasingly valuable as compliance takes on greater importance across global markets.
Others pointed to the regional significance of the transaction. By taking control of Coinhako, SBI strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia, one of the fastest-growing crypto markets, while adding a licensed platform that could support future services tied to payments, tokenization, and cross-border finance.
Several users also said the deal shows the growing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets, with competition increasingly centered on regulation, practical use cases, and the ability to scale across markets.
Regulatory approvals are becoming a competitive advantage
As digital asset regulations become more defined across Asia, licensed crypto firms are becoming attractive acquisition targets. Regulatory approvals offer financial institutions a faster route into new markets than applying for licenses from scratch, making regulated exchanges valuable for their compliance status, customer base, and local market presence.
Companies including Robinhood, through its acquisition of Bitstamp, have strengthened their presence in Singapore, while Ripple, OKX, HashKey, and Crypto.com have secured regulatory approvals from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to expand their digital asset businesses.
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