SBI Holdings Unveils Japan's First Security Token Bond with XRP Rewards

SBI Holdings, one of Japan's largest financial conglomerates, has launched its first blockchain-based bond for retail investors. The ¥10 billion ($64.5 million) security token offering is called SBI START Bonds and pairs fixed-income returns with XRP token rewards.

The three-year instruments are fully managed on-chain using BOOSTRY's 'ibet for Fin' enterprise blockchain platform. Secondary trading will begin on March 25 on Osaka Digital Exchange's proprietary START system, while the final coupon rate - expected between 1.85% and 2.45% annually - will be set on March 10.

Retail investors and corporations purchasing at least ¥100,000 ($650) worth of bonds and holding an account with SBI VC Trade qualify for XRP rewards. The initial distribution equals approximately ¥200 in XRP per ¥100,000 invested, paid at issuance and again on each semi-annual interest date through maturity in March 2029.