Rumors can move fast in crypto and sometimes faster than facts. This week, SBI Holdings stepped in to correct claims circulating online that it holds $10 billion worth of XRP.
The company says that figure is simply not true.
Where the $10 Billion XRP Claim Came From
The confusion appears to have started with a widely shared social media post describing SBI as a “holder of $10 billion in XRP.” The claim gained traction as SBI continued expanding its crypto presence in Asia, including moves tied to Singapore-based platform Coinhako.
However, the viral post blurred a key distinction: the difference between owning XRP tokens and owning shares in Ripple Labs.
What SBI Actually Owns
SBI Chairman and CEO Yoshitaka Kitao publicly clarified the situation. In a response on X, he stated that SBI does not hold $10 billion in XRP. Instead, the company owns roughly 9% of Ripple Labs.
That ownership represents an equity stake in the company behind Ripple’s payment solutions, not a direct holding of XRP tokens on its balance sheet.
Kitao added that this stake could be considered a “hidden asset,” implying that SBI sees long-term value in its Ripple investment, particularly if Ripple’s business grows or its valuation increases over time.
Equity Investment vs Token Holdings
The distinction matters.
Holding XRP tokens would mean SBI directly owns and manages a large cryptocurrency reserve. Owning shares in Ripple Labs, on the other hand, means SBI has a stake in the company itself—its technology, partnerships, and future valuation.
While Ripple is closely associated with XRP, equity ownership does not automatically equal token ownership.
SBI’s Longstanding Ripple Relationship
SBI has been one of Ripple’s most prominent partners in Asia for years. The two companies have collaborated on cross-border payment initiatives and regional blockchain adoption strategies.
SBI’s investment in Ripple reflects strategic alignment and long-term collaboration, not necessarily speculative exposure to XRP price movements.
A Lesson in Crypto Market Misinformation
This episode highlights how easily misinformation can spread when corporate equity stakes and digital token holdings are mixed together.
SBI’s exposure to Ripple is meaningful, but it is tied to company ownership rather than a multibillion-dollar XRP stockpile. For investors and observers, the takeaway is clear: understanding the difference between tokens and equity is critical in crypto-related reporting.
In fast-moving markets, clarity matters as much as capital.
