Zodia Custody, backed by Standard Chartered, ends joint venture with SBI Holdings after two years. Aimed to replicate institutional-grade custodial services in digital asset space. Decision made before submitting formal application for local registration to Japan’s Financial Services Agency. SBI says exit not a retreat, pursuing group-wide synergies under digital ecosystem. SBI Holdings plans Japan’s first dual-asset crypto ETF, denies earlier reports. Zodia Custody acquires Tungsten Custody Solutions in UAE for expansion. Japan’s cautious regulatory approach remains a challenge for foreign crypto firms, impacting innovation and growth. Proposed 20% flat tax on crypto gains not sufficient to address regulatory bottlenecks pushing startups offshore. Slow, risk-averse approval culture cited as main challenge for crypto growth in Japan, says industry experts.

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1. Bitcoin hits new all-time high of $60,000, fueled by increased institutional interest and mainstream acceptance. Market cap surpasses $1 trillion for the first time ever, with experts predicting further growth in the coming months.

2. Ethereum price breaks $2,000 for the first time, driven by the upcoming Ethereum 2.0 upgrade and growing demand for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Analysts forecast a bullish trend as more investors flock to the platform.

3. Ripple’s XRP token sees a surge in value after a successful court ruling in its ongoing legal battle with the SEC. Prices jump by 20% as investors regain confidence in the cryptocurrency, pushing market cap to over $25 billion.: Zodia Custody, SBI End Japan Joint Venture in Strategic Shift