SBI CEO Touts Ripple Equity as 'Hidden Asset', Downplays XRP Holdings

Edgen Crypto

·Feb 16 2026, 08:00

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Key Takeaways

SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao clarified the company's investment in Ripple, stating its primary value lies in its equity stake in Ripple Labs, not in large XRP token holdings. On February 16, 2026, Kitao refuted a viral claim that SBI holds $10 billion in XRP, instead calling the firm's Ripple Labs equity a potentially undervalued "hidden asset."

Refutes Rumor: The CEO publicly denied a viral claim that SBI Holdings possesses $10 billion worth of XRP tokens.
Equity is Key: Kitao emphasized that the company's most significant investment is its equity position in Ripple Labs, not its digital asset holdings.
Bullish Signal: Characterizing the Ripple Labs stake as a "hidden asset" signals strong confidence in the company's long-term valuation beyond the XRP token.

SBI CEO Refutes $10 Billion XRP Holding Claim

On February 16, 2026, SBI Holdings CEO Yoshitaka Kitao directly addressed and refuted a viral claim that the Japanese financial group held $10 billion in XRP. In his statement, Kitao sought to correct market speculation by clarifying the nature of his firm's investment. The move shifts the focus from direct token exposure to the company's strategic equity investments within the digital asset sector.

Ripple Labs Equity Hailed as 'Hidden Asset'

Instead of confirming large XRP holdings, Kitao highlighted SBI's equity position in Ripple Labs as its most consequential investment in the ecosystem. He described the stake as a "hidden asset," suggesting that its value is not fully appreciated by the market. This distinction frames SBI's bet as a long-term investment in Ripple's core business and technology, rather than a speculative play on its associated token. The CEO's bullish framing of the private equity stake could boost investor confidence in Ripple's fundamental valuation and drive new interest in its private shares.