This initiative highlights SBI’s long-standing commitment to cryptocurrency adoption and blockchain technology in traditional finance.SBI Holdings has announced to pay its shareholders using XRP. Source: Britto via XThrough this program, eligible shareholders can choose between XRP or a selection of health and wellness products from SBI ALApromo Co., a subsidiary specializing in functional foods and cosmetics. The move aligns with SBI’s broader strategy of integrating digital assets into mainstream financial services.How the XRP Rewards Program WorksSBI Holdings has set specific eligibility criteria for shareholders to participate in the rewards program. Investors listed on SBI’s shareholder register as of March 31, 2025, qualify for the benefits based on the number of shares they hold:
100 to 999 shares or at least 1,000 shares held for less than a year: Eligible for 2,000 yen worth of XRP or select health products.
1,000 or more shares held for over a year: Eligible for 8,000 yen worth of XRP or a wider selection of high-end cosmetics and wellness products.
In addition, all shareholders of less than 100 shares are given a 50% discount voucher for their purchases from SBI ALApromo.Investors wanting to receive XRP are required to additionally be of Japanese nationality, 18 years old or more, and maintain an account at SBI VC Trade, the crypto trading platform of SBI, among other requirements. XRP will be distributed before July 31, 2025, in accordance with Japanese regulations.SBI’s Strong Support for XRP and RippleSBI Holdings has always been quite vocal in support of Ripple and the XRP cryptocurrency, steadily building out blockchain-focused solutions within its financial ecosystem. It had already integrated Ripple’s technology into cross-border payment services, hence proving a belief in the asset’s utility.SBI Holdings is once again offering XRP as a shareholder benefit, providing a coupon code for 2,000 yen worth of XRP, with distribution expected by July 31, 2025. Source: Crypto Eri via XCrypto analyst Crypto Eri said of the latest move by SBI: “That would be a huge statement about their commitment to XRP.” The CEO of SBI Holdings, Yoshitaka Kitao, was similarly sanguine about the future of XRP – assuming regulatory hurdles globally let up.“Once the court decides XRP is not a security, we expect a big price surge,” Kitao said, based on the expectation of further adoption.XRP’s Growing Influence in Japan’s Banking SectorSBI’s XRP rewards program comes at a time when Ripple’s influence in Japan is expanding. Over 60 Japanese banks, covering nearly 80% of the country’s banking sector, have partnered with Ripple to enhance cross-border transactions. This level of institutional support could fuel further adoption of XRP for real-world payments.SBI Holdings invested $10 billion in XRP and owns 8% of Ripple, eyeing massive returns despite Japan’s $9 trillion debt. Source: DigitalG via XCrypto analyst Gen Abilsa