SBI Group Joins Forces with Chainlink to Supercharge Crypto Tokenization Across Asia
Key Takeaways
- SBI Group and Chainlink are partnering to develop blockchain tools for tokenized real-world assets, stablecoins, and cross-border payments in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
- The initiative uses Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol and Proof of Reserve to ensure transparent and compliant digital asset operations.
- SBI’s collaboration is part of a broader crypto push that includes partnerships with Circle, Ripple, and Startale.
- Japan is considering a flat 20% crypto tax and the launch of crypto ETFs, aligning its regulations with global standards.
What Happened?
SBI Group, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates, has partnered with blockchain oracle provider Chainlink to promote institutional adoption of digital assets. The two firms will focus on building tools for real-world asset tokenization, stablecoins, and cross-border transactions, starting with the Japanese market. The partnership comes as Japan eyes major crypto tax reforms and regulatory updates to support tokenization.
We’re excited to announce a strategic partnership between Chainlink and SBI Group one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates with the USD equivalent of over $200 billion in total assets.https://t.co/ZNyq7bVvUb
— Chainlink (@chainlink) August 25, 2025
SBI Group and Chainlink will focus on powering several… pic.twitter.com/tdbLXOkUnW
SBI and Chainlink Lead Japan’s Digital Asset Revolution
The collaboration between SBI Group and Chainlink is centered on developing cross-chain tokenization tools for financial institutions. With over $200 billion in assets, SBI’s entrance into tokenized assets is poised to significantly accelerate institutional use of blockchain in Japan.
The partnership will harness Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to build infrastructure for real-world asset tokenization, including onchain bonds and tokenized funds. Chainlink will also deploy its Proof of Reserve technology to deliver real-time, onchain verification of stablecoin reserves and fund valuations.
SBI and Chainlink have already collaborated under the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian, a regulatory sandbox aimed at exploring blockchain solutions in traditional finance.
Focus on Stablecoins and Regulatory Compliance
Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov noted that the companies have been working on “very advanced fund tokenization and stablecoin use cases” and are now ready to scale these solutions for broader adoption.
SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao emphasized that the collaboration will support compliant cross-border stablecoin transactions, driving adoption of digital assets across Japan and Asia. He called Chainlink “a natural partner” that brings “market-leading interoperability and reliability” to their joint initiatives.
SBI is simultaneously promoting USDC with Circle and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, aiming to deploy the latter by March 2026 via its crypto subsidiary SBI VC Trade.
Policy Changes Support Blockchain Growth
Japan is also taking concrete regulatory steps to support its digital asset transformation:
- A flat 20 percent crypto tax is under discussion to replace the current progressive system, aligning Japan with global norms.
- The government is exploring crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), potentially offering regulated investment pathways into digital assets.
These reforms are expected to unlock new investor interest and boost the utility of tokenized financial products in traditional markets.
Tokenized RWAs Are Gaining Momentum
The total onchain value of tokenized real-world assets has reached $26.5 billion, according to data from RWA.xyz. While still modest compared to the traditional finance sector, the market is rapidly gaining traction, attracting interest from institutions and central banks alike. The Federal Reserve is also studying RWA tokenization, reflecting growing global interest.
Chainlink’s native token LINK is currently trading at $24.65, reflecting a 2.7 percent drop in the past 24 hours. Despite the dip, LINK has been one of the stronger performers over the past month, fueled by the surge in interest around real-world asset tokenization.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
In my experience, when a major traditional finance player like SBI goes all-in on blockchain, it is more than just a press release. It is a signal that crypto is moving into real-world finance for good. Chainlink’s involvement adds the technical credibility and infrastructure muscle needed to make these initiatives actually work at scale. Japan’s openness to crypto tax reform and ETFs is just the cherry on top. This is not just a story about one country or company, but a blueprint for institutional blockchain adoption globally.
