“XRP Will Be Very Expensive”: Japan’s Financial Giant Makes Bold Call
In a striking development highlighting Ripple’s deepening ties with Japan, SBI Holdings, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, has issued a bold prediction about XRP’s future value. On the heels of Ripple’s expanding institutional relationships and ongoing legal proceedings, SBI’s CEO has asserted that XRP is poised to become highly valuable, underlining the pivotal role Japan plays in Ripple’s global strategy.
SBI CEO’s Confident Statement on XRP
Yoshitaka Kitao, the CEO of SBI Holdings, made headlines recently with a straightforward yet powerful statement: “XRP will be very expensive.” His remarks, spotlighted by the crypto community and amplified by market commentators, came alongside observations about Ripple’s imminent legal developments in the United States.
Kitao suggested that a favorable court ruling in Ripple’s litigation could significantly elevate XRP’s market worth. “It seems that he is thinking that the court’s decision will be made in a few weeks. If the decision is made and Ripple’s XRP is recognized as a coin, I think it will be a big price… If the conclusion is positive, I think it will be great,” he said.
This message of optimism echoes earlier sentiments expressed by Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz. However, hearing these expectations voiced by SBI’s top executive — a major institutional player — adds substantial credibility and gravity to the forecast.
SBI and Ripple: A Collaborative Journey Since 2016
The partnership between SBI and Ripple dates back to 2016 through their joint venture, SBI Ripple Asia. This collaboration has focused on advancing cross-border payment systems involving Japan, South Korea, India, and the Philippines. Such initiatives go beyond conceptual frameworks; they have resulted in functional payment corridors utilizing XRP to facilitate seamless transactions.
SBI remains Ripple’s largest external shareholder, reinforcing its vested interest in the success of both Ripple’s technology and the XRP token’s value proposition. The institution’s continued support is a central pillar in the narrative that XRP holds significant long-term promise.
New Developments Bolstering XRP’s Position
Recent movements further deepen this partnership. In February 2026, SBI made a notable stride by launching a blockchain bond worth 10 billion yen (approximately $64 million). This innovative offering rewards investors with XRP, marking a first for a major financial entity in Japan to integrate the digital token in such a manner.
Additionally, plans are underway to introduce Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin in Japan through SBI’s licensed cryptocurrency exchange. On the innovation front, SBI Ripple Asia has teamed up with the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan to foster startups developing financial applications on the XRP Ledger, highlighting an ecosystem approach to growth.
Looking Ahead
Japan’s influential financial sector, embodied by SBI Holdings, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to Ripple and XRP’s evolution. The recent bullish forecasts from SBI’s CEO, coupled with expanding use cases and strategic initiatives, spotlight Japan not just as a market but as a driving force in XRP’s anticipated rise.
As the cryptocurrency world awaits the outcome of Ripple’s legal challenges, SBI’s confident outlook suggests that XRP may be positioned for substantial appreciation. Investors and observers keenly watch for the potential court ruling, which could serve as a catalyst for XRP’s next chapter.
Author: Debashree Patra
Published: April 4, 2026
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