Japan's SBI Holdings is set to launch its first blockchain-based bond, the SBI START Bonds, targeting individual investors. This 10 billion yen (~$64.5 million) issuance features traditional fixed-income benefits, onchain settlement via BOOSTRY's 'ibet for Fin' platform, and digital asset rewards.
The three-year bonds offer an annual interest rate between 1.85% and 2.45%, paid semiannually. Eligible retail investors who subscribe for more than 100,000 yen and hold an account with SBI VC Trade can receive rewards in XRP. These bonuses, detailed as 200 yen in XRP per 100,000 yen invested, will be distributed at issuance and on subsequent interest payment dates through 2029.
Secondary trading is slated to begin on March 25 on the Osaka Digital Exchange's 'START' system. SBI Holdings has a long-standing relationship with Ripple, dating back to a 2016 partnership, and has previously distributed XRP dividends and supported XRP-based remittances.