A new crypto asset fund with nearly ¥3 billion ($18.3 million) under management will start operations on August 1, backed by Japanese game developer Gumi and SBI Financial Services. The fund, called SBI Crypto Fund I, targets Bitcoin alongside major altcoins and plans to employ active portfolio strategies including staking, hedging, and rebalancing.
The private fund will operate under a three-year term with SBI Financial Services holding a majority 51% stake, while Gumi’s subsidiary, gC Labs, controls the remaining 49%. Originally scheduled to launch in 2025, the fund’s debut was brought forward following a reassessment of current crypto market conditions.
Fund Structure and Investment Focus
SBI Crypto Fund I is structured as a private placement inside a Japanese silent partnership. While specific asset allocations and individual contributions from Daiwa Securities Group and other investors remain undisclosed, the fund’s primary focus is on Bitcoin and leading altcoins listed on major exchanges.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between the crypto asset market and Japanese companies, using investment and liquidity provision as the main tools. Beyond investing, the fund will gather data on portfolio performance and experiment with combining traditional and digital asset strategies. This information could pave the way for developing future managed products, including investment trusts, though none have been announced yet.
Gumi’s Crypto Expansion and Market Outlook
Gumi’s involvement in this fund aligns with its broader crypto push, having reported ¥14.13 billion in crypto assets by April an 86% increase compared to the previous year. This expansion complements emerging trends where Japanese firms expand their crypto exposure amidst evolving regulations.
The firm has cautioned investors that the fund announcement is not an invitation to invest and that there are no guarantees of returns. It also refrained from detailing custody arrangements, fee structures, or precise risk limits.
With Japan’s Financial Services Agency contemplating possible regulatory changes to allow domestic crypto exchange-traded funds, establishing this fund now could position Gumi and SBI advantageously. Meanwhile, industry watchers will keep an eye on how this initiative influences Japan’s crypto investment landscape in the next few years.
Japan’s Gumi and SBI Kick Off $18.3M Fund Betting on Bitcoin and Altcoins details the fund’s launch context and reflects ongoing momentum in local crypto ventures.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
