Japanese game developer Gumi has announced the launch of a 3 billion yen ($18.3 million) crypto asset fund, collaborating with SBI Financial Services and receiving support from Daiwa Securities Group and additional investors. The fund is scheduled to begin operations on Saturday and will focus on broadening corporate engagement with the cryptocurrency sector in Japan.
Fund structure and investment partners
The fund will be operated by SBI Crypto Fund, a joint venture owned 51% by SBI Financial Services and 49% by gC Labs, a wholly owned Gumi subsidiary. SBI Financial Services is a leading financial services group in Japan, recognized for its involvement in digital assets and blockchain solutions, while Daiwa Securities Group stands out among Japan’s largest securities firms.
Gumi stated that the fund’s main objective is to bridge traditional Japanese corporations with the growing crypto market, aiming to build a robust operational track record in anticipation of potential regulatory changes affecting crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the Japanese market.
The investment strategy will center on Bitcoin and other major altcoins, utilizing approaches such as staking, portfolio rebalancing, and hedging to optimize results and manage risk.
Mini dictionary: Altcoin, a term used to describe any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin and Ethereum. Altcoins can serve a variety of use cases in blockchain networks, offering different features or benefits compared to Bitcoin.
Gumi emphasized the importance of building an operational record in advance of Japan potentially lifting restrictions on crypto ETFs, aiming to leverage this experience if the regulatory environment changes.
Crypto holdings and expanding business
Gumi’s move into crypto funding extends its already substantial digital asset activities, which include managing a proprietary portfolio centered on XRP and providing portfolio management services through subsidiary Hinode Technologies. The company is also engaged in crypto investment funds to advance its presence in the market.
According to the company’s most recent annual report, Gumi’s exposure to digital assets has grown significantly. As of April 30, 2026, Gumi’s crypto holdings reached 14.13 billion yen, nearly double the 7.58 billion yen reported a year earlier, highlighting the rising importance of digital assets in its financial structure.
With corporate crypto assets now representing a growing portion of its balance sheet, Gumi is positioning itself at the forefront of Japan’s evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Looking ahead
By joining forces with SBI Financial Services and Daiwa Securities Group, Gumi is aiming to establish itself as a leading player in the Japanese crypto fund space ahead of possible regulatory developments. The company continues to build on its experience in portfolio management and digital assets while connecting established financial institutions with the opportunities presented by cryptocurrencies.
Japan currently maintains restrictions on the listing and operation of crypto exchange-traded funds, but market participants are closely watching for policy shifts that could open new avenues for investment products in the future.
