The recent discussions surrounding XRP accumulation have garnered attention, especially with reports that hinted at SBI Holdings potentially investing $10 billion in this digital currency. This news sparked considerable enthusiasm among traders and investors, amplifying the belief that major companies are heavily investing in XRP. Nonetheless, a statement from SBI’s leadership has prompted a reassessment of these claims, moving from speculative figures to a clearer financial overview.
Insight into the $10 Billion XRP Rumor
The saga began when a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by user @Strivex_ drew attention to SBI Holdings’ growing presence in the crypto sector, particularly in Singapore. The tweet implied that SBI was, in fact, holding approximately $10 billion worth of XRP, which elevated the company’s status as a prominent player in the Ripple ecosystem. This narrative positioned SBI as one of the largest corporate holders of XRP.
Immediately responding, CEO Yoshitaka Kitao sought to clarify the situation. In a public statement, he addressed the inflated figure that was circulating in the media. He pointed out that SBI does not possess $10 billion in XRP tokens, nor does it have an investment of that magnitude in the cryptocurrency. Kitao offered insight that maintaining such a large position would expose the company to excessive risk, which is not in line with SBI’s financial strategy.
Instead, the company’s connection to XRP is indirect, emphasizing equity ownership rather than direct acquisition of the tokens. This distinction is essential as it highlights the difference in risk management and investment strategy between equity stakes and token holdings.
Understanding Indirect Exposure
SBI Holdings holds around 9% equity in Ripple Labs, which grants it an indirect interest in Ripple’s progress without necessitating large-scale XRP holdings. In light of recent valuations that estimate Ripple to be worth over $50 billion, SBI’s stake equates to about $4.5 billion. Although significant, this amount is notably less than the rumored $10 billion and reflects actual participation in Ripple’s corporate structure instead of merely cryptocurrency assets.
Kitao has referred to this stake as a “hidden asset” within SBI’s overall valuation strategy. This suggests that the market may not fully appreciate the growth potential associated with Ripple, particularly as blockchain technologies advance in the global financial landscape.
The relationship between SBI and Ripple is not new; it dates back to 2016 and includes substantial involvement in Ripple’s expansion efforts throughout Asia. A recent strategic move by SBI to acquire a majority stake in the Singapore-based exchange Coinhako further demonstrates their commitment to creating a robust digital payments corridor between Japan and Southeast Asia. Moreover, SBI has participated in Ripple’s $1 billion treasury initiative alongside partners like Evernorth Holdings, aimed at boosting institutional use of XRP.
Through these strategic initiatives, SBI positions itself to benefit from XRP’s practical applications in areas such as liquidity management and payment systems, all while not directly holding the cryptocurrency.
