SBI takes 20% stake in Ajaib to expand yen stablecoin infrastructure in Southeast Asia

CoinDesk reported the investment at $270 million and said SBI plans to use Ajaib to widen distribution of JPYSC, its yen-denominated stablecoin, while building blockchain-based settlement infrastructure across Southeast Asia. SBI's release confirms the stake and the platform's digital-asset and stablecoin capabilities, but does not state a transaction price.

A local distribution foothold

Ajaib began as an online securities brokerage and now offers domestic and international equities, bonds, funds, ETFs, crypto assets, stablecoins, commodities and FX, according to the company release. It also provides OTC stablecoin settlement services for corporate and institutional clients in Indonesia.

That mix gives SBI a local channel for products that sit between conventional brokerage and digital-asset infrastructure. It also means the strategic case depends on Ajaib's ability to connect retail distribution, institutional settlement and the regulatory requirements attached to each service.

Stablecoin plans remain a buildout

SBI says the investment will support its broader APAC Digital Economic Zone concept, a network of exchanges and digital-finance businesses. The group already operates SBI VC Trade and Coinhako, makes markets through B2C2 and is developing JPYSC with Startale Group and SBI Shinsei Trust Bank.

The announcement does not name a launch date for new Ajaib-linked stablecoin services, expected settlement volume, customer targets or the jurisdictions in which a cross-border network would operate. The deal therefore establishes ownership and strategic direction, not a live regional payment rail.