PANews reported on February 22 that SBI Holdings, a major Japanese financial group, announced the launch of its first blockchain-based bond for individual investors – the 10 billion yen (approximately US$64.5 million) SBI START Bonds. This bond combines traditional fixed-income features with blockchain settlement and XRP cryptocurrency rewards.

SBI START Bonds are managed across the entire blockchain through BOOSTRY's "ibet for Fin" platform. They have a three-year term with an estimated annual interest rate between 1.85% and 2.45%, payable semi-annually. Eligible investors must purchase bonds worth at least ¥100,000 (approximately US$650) through the SBI VC Trade platform to receive XRP rewards based on their investment amount. Each ¥100,000 investment will earn ¥200 worth of XRP, which will be distributed at the time of issuance and on each interest payment date (until 2029).