KEY FACTS: Metaplanet Inc., a Tokyo-based investment firm holding 15,555 BTC worth $1.7 billion, is set to acquire a digital bank in Japan, leveraging its Bitcoin treasury as collateral to integrate cryptocurrency with mainstream financial services. This move aims to create a Bitcoin-native banking ecosystem, offering fiat on- and off-ramps, as well as innovative financial products, as part of the company’s Accelerated 2025-2027 Bitcoin Plan, which targets 210,000 BTC by 2027. Financed through $517 million in recent share issuances and $208 million in bonds, the acquisition could position Metaplanet as a regional leader in digital banking, bridging the gap between decentralized and traditional finance in Japan’s evolving financial sector.

Metaplanet

Metaplanet to Acquire a Digital Bank as Phase 2 of Bitcoin Strategy

Metaplanet Inc., a Tokyo-based investment firm that has rapidly emerged as a global leader in corporate Bitcoin adoption, is setting its sights on a transformative acquisition that could redefine the financial template in Japan. The company, which holds 15,555 BTC valued at approximately $1.7 billion, has announced plans to leverage its substantial Bitcoin treasury as collateral to acquire a digital bank in Japan. This ambitious move, reported by the Financial Times, positions Metaplanet as a pioneer in integrating cryptocurrency with mainstream financial services, aiming to create a Bitcoin-native banking ecosystem that could redefine how digital assets are utilized in corporate strategy.

Metaplanet’s pivot to a Bitcoin-centric treasury model began in April 2024, driven by the need to hedge against yen instability and diversify its corporate reserves. Since then, the firm has accumulated Bitcoin at a relentless pace, recently purchasing 2,205 BTC for $238.7 million at an average price of $108,237 per BTC. This acquisition brought Metaplanet’s total holdings to 15,555 BTC, making it the fifth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally, according to BitcoinTreasuries.net. However, the company’s latest announcement marks a significant evolution in its strategy: using its Bitcoin reserves not just as a store of value but as a financial instrument to fuel expansion into digital banking.

CEO Simon Gerovich described the planned acquisition as a cornerstone of Metaplanet’s vision to blend decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional banking infrastructure. Metaplanet seeks to its Bitcoin as collateral to raise capital, integrate crypto into mainstream financial services, and offer superior digital banking solutions compared to traditional retail banks by acquiring a digital bank. This strategy reflects a growing trend among crypto-forward companies to leverage digital assets for real-world business growth, with Metaplanet leading the charge in Asia.

The proposed acquisition aims to establish a financial institution that seamlessly integrates Bitcoin, offering services such as fiat on/off ramps for cryptocurrency transactions, Bitcoin-backed lending, and other innovative financial products. Such a platform could appeal to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional banking customers, bridging the gap between decentralized and centralized finance. Industry observers believe the acquisition could catalyze institutional Bitcoin adoption in Japan, where regulatory frameworks are increasingly supportive of cryptocurrencies.

Metaplanet’s ability to pursue such an ambitious acquisition stems from its innovative approach to capital management. The firm has raised significant funds through bond issuances and stock acquisition rights to fuel its Bitcoin purchases, which in turn boost its financial flexibility. On June 30, Metaplanet completed its 19th series of ordinary bonds, raising 30 billion yen ($208 million), with the majority allocated to Bitcoin acquisitions. The company also executed an early redemption of 6 billion yen from a recent bond issuance, demonstrating its ability to manage capital efficiently. In June 2025, Metaplanet raised $517 million in a single day through the issuance of 54 million shares via its 20th series of stock acquisition rights, further strengthening its war chest.

The company’s Bitcoin treasury, valued at $1.7 billion, serves as a powerful asset for collateralizing loans or securing financing for the digital bank acquisition. Gerovich emphasized that this approach mirrors how traditional companies use stocks or bonds to raise capital for strategic investments. Metaplanet’s shareholder base, which has doubled to over 128,000 since its Bitcoin pivot, reflects strong investor confidence in this strategy. The firm’s stock (JP:3350) has surged 345% year-to-date in 2025, pushing its market valuation above $7 billion and earning a Buy rating from analysts with a price target of 2,400 yen.

Japan’s financial sector is ripe for disruption, with digital banking gaining traction amid increasing consumer demand for innovative, tech-driven solutions. Metaplanet’s acquisition of a digital bank could position it as a regional leader in this space, offering a platform that combines the efficiency of blockchain technology with the reliability of traditional banking services. The move aligns with Japan’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation, which has fostered an environment conducive to blockchain innovation. Metaplanet's creation of a Bitcoin-native bank could attract a new wave of customers, from crypto investors to businesses seeking integrated financial solutions.

The acquisition also fits into Metaplanet’s Accelerated 2025-2027 Bitcoin Plan, which includes ambitious targets to hold 30,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 210,000 BTC by 2027. The digital bank would not only diversify the company’s revenue streams but also enhance its ability to acquire more Bitcoin by generating cash flow. This virtuous cycle could solidify Metaplanet’s position as a flagship player in corporate Bitcoin adoption, both in Japan and globally.

A successful integration of Bitcoin into a digital banking platform could transform Metaplanet’s business model as well as inspire a new wave of crypto-driven financial innovation in Japan and beyond.

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