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Japan Embraces the Future of Finance: Ex-Ripple VP Launches $100M Fund with SBI

This week marks a significant development in Japan's financial landscape as XRP payments are now available for 44 million Rakuten users.

Recent bank pilots demonstrated that XRP can settle transactions up to 60% cheaper than SWIFT, highlighting its efficiency.

Emi Yoshikawa, the former Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Ripple, has now established a $100 million fund backed by SBI Holdings, called Across Ventures Fund I.

Yoshikawa, who has a rich history with Ripple, played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic joint ventures, particularly with SBI, where trust and collaboration flourished.

The new fund will target investments in specialized micro VCs within sectors such as blockchain, fintech, AI, and climate tech, facilitating access to innovative technologies for Japanese corporations.

SBI will not only provide capital but will also lend its extensive network for deal sourcing and investment evaluations, enhancing the fund's operational capabilities.

April 2026 has seen a surge in XRP-related institutional activities across Japan, with SBI Ripple Asia achieving significant milestones in blockchain technology.

The issuance of an XRPL token platform and a successful blockchain bond launch further solidify the collaboration between Ripple and Japanese financial institutions.

According to Yoshikawa, Across Ventures aims to co-create new industries alongside Japanese enterprises, indicating a strong ongoing partnership with her previous employer.

This $100 million fund represents not just a financial initiative but a continuation of the Ripple-SBI story, underlining the evolving dynamics of cryptocurrency in Japan.