Six Japanese Asset Managers Plan Bitcoin Investment Trusts Ahead of 2026 Regulatory Reforms

Six major Japanese asset management firms are developing cryptocurrency investment products in anticipation of regulatory changes that would permit digital assets in investment trusts for the first time. The Financial Services Agency plans to submit legislative proposals during the 2026 parliamentary session to reclassify cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Current regulations prohibit cryptocurrencies from being included in investment trust structures, limiting retail and institutional access to digital assets through mainstream channels.