Also this year, SBI Holdings made an undisclosed investment in controversial crypto exchange LastRoots. This followed an initial capital injection in December 2017.
“SBI Group is expanding its contribution and partnerships with digital asset-related venture companies and will promote the creation of digital asset demand through investment in domestic and overseas venture companies that are engaged in the business of utilising digital assets and developing new products. We believe that it will contribute to the expansion and development of the digital asset industry/business in the future,” a press release announced.
The LastRoots move raised eyebrows as the venture was earlier this year given a business improvement order by the Japanese Financial Services Authority (FSA). SBI said that it would focus on business improvement, including risk management, for which it would provide its own staff to assist LastRoots.