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The post Japan SBI’s 9% Stake in Ripple Shocks U.S. Treasury Bessent appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News U.S. and Japanese financial leaders are eyeing Ripple as a bridge for cross-border growth. SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao revealed that his group holds a massive 9% stake in Ripple, leaving U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visibly shocked. With Japan already using Ripple’s technology in banks and remittances, both countries are now exploring stablecoins and next-gen payment systems to boost cross-border investments and liquidity. Bessent Shocked About SBI’s 9% Holding in Ripple During SBI’s latest earnings call, CEO Yoshitaka Kitao told U.S. counterparts that SBI Group is the largest external shareholder in Ripple, holding about 9% of Ripple Labs.  When Bessent heard the 9% figure, he was shocked and said, “That’s huge,” showing that U.S. officials clearly understand Ripple’s influence in Asia. Japan already uses Ripple’s technology in banks and remittance companies through SBI Ripple Asia. Kitao believes this network can act as a bridge for U.S. companies and investors entering Asian markets, making payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable. SBI CEO Mr. Kitao & U.S. Treasury @SecScottBessent had discussions about @Ripple & how Japan can help boost US economy via financial services. When Scott was told SBI holds 9% of Ripple, Bessent said, “That’s huge.” JV talks, liquidity & stablecoins – all on the table.$XRP… pic.twitter.com/h5tWwgjdt8 — Crypto Eri ~ Carpe Diem (@sentosumosaba) November 24, 2025 Why the U.S. Treasury Is Suddenly Interested? Bessent’s recent meetings with Japanese officials have focused on bringing Japan’s “strategic investment” into the United States through trade and investment agreements and capital-market partnerships. But for this plan to work smoothly, cross-border payments and liquidity systems need to be faster and more efficient, and this is where Ripple’s technology fits in. Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity removes the need for…

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Filed under: News - @ November 24, 2025 4:29 pm