SBI Holdings said it has submitted a letter of intent and started capital and business partnership talks with crypto exchange operator bitbank as part of a plan to strengthen its position in Japan’s crypto market. The company is considering acquiring a stake that could make bitbank a consolidated subsidiary, but said the deal structure and timing remain under discussion pending due diligence and internal approvals. The development adds that formal partnership talks have begun and frames the move directly as part of SBI’s strategy to expand its crypto market position in Japan.