SBI Holdings, Mesh Connect, and Money Forward Partner to Form Digital Asset Joint Venture in Japan
Japanese financial services conglomerate SBI Holdings, U.S.-based crypto API infrastructure provider Mesh Connect, and FinTech firm Money Forward have entered into a basic agreement to establish a joint venture in Japan aimed at streamlining digital asset transactions.
Targeting a launch within 2026, the proposed venture—tentatively named Mesh SBI Money Forward Network KK—plans to establish an on-chain settlement infrastructure. The entity will capitalize on 100 million yen ($0.67 million) in capital, with Mesh Connect holding a controlling 60% stake, SBI Group holding 26%, and Money Forward taking 14%.
The joint initiative aims to resolve fragmentation across crypto exchanges, wallets, and payment providers by leveraging Mesh’s API integration technology. Key operational focus areas for the new joint venture include:
- Establishing seamless account connections and asset transfers across different crypto exchange and wallet platforms.
- Simplifying the purchase, transfer, and utilization procedures for digital assets.
- Building a unified payment connection framework utilizing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
- Offering tokenized asset infrastructure and digital payment services tailored for financial institutions and enterprise clients.
Under the agreement, SBI Holdings will contribute its domestic financial service network and regulatory expertise, while Money Forward—an existing shareholder in Mesh Connect—will provide management support for Japanese market operations. Subject to regulatory approvals and final agreements, the partners ultimately intend to construct a next-generation financial architecture integrating digital assets, stablecoins, tokenized assets, and fiat currency.
Norbert Gehrke
