Metaplanet, a leading Japanese company, has announced its acquisition of Siiibo Securities for approximately 2.1 billion yen, equivalent to $13.1 million. This strategic move, confirmed by the company and reported by BTC Times, represents the first major step in Metaplanet's "Project Nova," a long-term initiative to build a comprehensive Bitcoin-focused financial ecosystem in Japan. Following the acquisition, Siiibo Securities will be rebranded as Metaplanet Securities.
The deal, expected to close on July 13, 2026, is pivotal for Metaplanet as it secures Siiibo's Type I Financial Instruments Business Operator registration. This license is essential under Japanese law to structure and distribute financial products to retail investors, providing Metaplanet with the regulatory framework to expand its offerings. Metaplanet aims to introduce a range of Bitcoin-related yield products, including Bitcoin-linked bonds, tokenized securities, and lending services.
Metaplanet's CEO, Simon Gerovich, stated that the acquisition is "the first concrete step in Project Nova," emphasizing the company's evolution beyond passive Bitcoin accumulation. "We view Bitcoin not merely as a treasury reserve asset, but as the foundation of the next generation of financial ecosystems," Gerovich explained. This strategy leverages Metaplanet's substantial Bitcoin holdings, which stood at 40,177 BTC as of May 31, 2026, making it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder in Asia.
The company plans to utilize these significant Bitcoin reserves to support the new yield-generating products, aiming to tap into Japan's vast household savings. With Japanese households holding an estimated $7.4 trillion in cash and deposits, Metaplanet sees an opportunity to cater to investors seeking higher returns amidst the country's shift from deflation to inflation. Siiibo Securities' existing online platform and customer base, specializing in corporate bond issuance, will facilitate the distribution of these innovative products.
Kazuki Komura, CEO of Siiibo Securities, highlighted the synergistic potential, noting that combining the strengths of both companies would "create new forms of capital formation and investment experiences." This acquisition positions Metaplanet to become a key player in integrating digital assets into Japan's traditional financial sector, setting a precedent for institutional adoption and the development of regulated Bitcoin-linked financial instruments.
