TheDinarian
News • Business • Investing & Finance
GAM Global Special Situations Fund calls for Crypto transparency and value maximisation in SBI Holdings
December 17, 2024
post photo preview

On the 3 December 2024, the investment managers of GAM Global Special Situations Fund issued an open letter calling for SBI Holdings Inc (8473:TYO) to enhance crypto transparency and actively maximise shareholder value. The letter highlights the significant, yet under recognised, value of SBI's investment in Ripple Labs and its vast XRP holdings—valued at JPY 1.6 trillion against SBI's market cap of JPY 1.2 trillion.

GAM Global Special Situations Fund urges SBI Holdings Inc to:

  • Publish daily updates on the indirect value of its XRP holdings.
  • Clearly outline its strategy in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
  • Provide regular, transparent calculations of its Net Asset Value (NAV).

GAM Global Special Situations investment managers also recommend SBI consider an XRP buyback program to further leverage its blockchain investments, similar to the strategy adopted by MicroStrategy in the US. By taking these steps, SBI can significantly close the gap between its market value and its NAV, estimated at JPY 3.9 trillion.

++end++

Open Letter:

Yoshitaka Kitao
CEO
SBI Holdings
Izumi Garden Tower 19F
1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6019
cc. Bloomberg, FT, WSJ

December 3, 2024

Dear Kitao San,

We are the managers of the GAM Global Special Situations fund, which is a shareholder in your company, and we take a keen interest in it. As such, we had the honor of visiting your Roppongi office last September 11 where we met with Mr Motoaki Shiino and Mr. Toshiki Aoyama.

Over the years, we noted how SBI became a key player in the Japanese banking and securities businesses but also a significant investor in blockchain technology, particularly through its investment and ownership in Ripple Labs and SBI Ripple Asia. Ripple Labs owns at last count 48bn XRP. SBI owns between 8 and 9% of Ripple Labs and is its largest outside shareholder. That stake is worth at least JPY 1.6tr (through its XRP holding, and this does not take into account the valuation of Ripple Labs itself) vs. SBI’s entire market capitalization of JPY 1.2tr. The value of this investment is little known by the market and SBI’s strategy around Ripple’s blockchain technology is not clear. In fact, your IR company presentations, while very long and detailed, are very confusing.

As a result, SBI is selling at a very significant discount to its Net Asset Value (NAV) and SBI’s board and management is implicitly destroying shareholder value by not having a pro-active stance when it comes to its blockchain/cryptocurrencies and Ripple investments. The following chart shows the implicit value of SBI ascribed by the market after simply deducting the indirect value of its XRP holdings:

Hence, while SBI’s share price may have gone up this year from about JPY3000 to JPY4000, this increase is in fact “illusory” as SBI’s implicit value excluding its indirect holdings of XRP has actually plunged into negative JPY357bn. The following chart clearly highlights that point: (the orange line is SBI’s market capitalization; white line is SBI’s market ascribed value ex-XRP value).

We believe that SBI shareholders would benefit greatly if:

1/ SBI would publish a daily “live” indirect value of its XRP holdings

2/ SBI would detail clearly its strategy in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies businesses

3/ SBI would regularly provide a clear calculation of its NAV components and overall NAV. We would be happy to assist your IR department to develop an investor friendly webpage to communicate such information.

We also urge SBI to have an active and public XRP coin buying program. Rather than pay a cash dividend, SBI shareholders would benefit greatly if SBI had a XRP buyback program by recycling a part of its cash flow from its banking and securities business. We suggest that the company announces such a program and embarks on a XRP crypto strategy similar to the highly successful XBT strategy pursued by MicroStrategy in the US.

SBI’s board should aggressively work towards getting the company’s value closer to its NAV which we calculate to be around JPY 3.9tr (including XRP’s indirect holdings) or over 3x its current market capitalization. Having a transparent strategy and communication around your Ripple and blockchain/crypto strategies are key to reaching your fiduciary duty to increase shareholder value.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Best regards,

Albert Saporta
Co-CIO GAM Alternatives
GAM Investment Management (Switzerland) AG

Randel Freeman
Co-CIO GAM Alternatives
GAM USA Inc.


About the GAM Global Special Situations Fund

The investment managers of the GAM Global Special Situations Fund have long held the fundamental belief that markets can be inefficient, and securities go through distinct periods of mispricing, especially in complex corporate situations and when related securities are traded across different markets.

We believe by incorporating these securities in a thoughtfully structured portfolio and employing sophisticated hedging strategies we can achieve superior uncorrelated risk-adjusted returns across all market cycles.

The GAM Global Special Situations Fund invests globally long and short in securities of companies, intra and across markets and within complex corporate capital structures, which are often undergoing significant corporate change. Rigorous quantitative modelling and screening is combined with fundamental analysis and our deep understanding of event-driven dynamics.

The investment strategy is co-managed by Albert Saporta and Randel Freeman − two of the pioneers in global event-driven and special situations investing with over 70 years combined experience.

About GAM

GAM is an independent investment manager that is listed in Switzerland. It is an active, independent global asset manager that divers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions for its clients across its Investment and Wealth Management Businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance its clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers the brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 19.0 billion as of 30 June 2024. GAM has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983 and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com.

For further information please contact:

 

Albert Saporta, Co-CIO GAM Alternatives
GAM Investment Management (Switzerland) AG
[email protected]

 

Randel Freeman, Co-CIO GAM Alternatives
GAM USA Inc.
[email protected]

 

Media Relations
Colin Bennett
T +44 (0) 207 393 8544

 

Visit us: www.gam.com
Follow us: X and LinkedIn

 

Other important information

This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, "estimate", "aim", “project”, “forecast”, "risk", “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, "would", “may”, “might”, "will", "continue", "plan", "probability", "indicative", "seek", “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

Link

community logo
Join the TheDinarian Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
0
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
🚀 Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High – What’s Next?

Bitcoin reached a new peak of $118,254 on July 11, 2025, driven by institutional demand, favorable macro conditions, and supportive crypto regulations. With a 100%+ year-over-year surge, what's next for BTC?

🔮 Bitcoin Outlook

📆 Short Term (6–12 Months)

  • Expect volatility post-ATH
  • Spot BTC ETFs attract significant capital
  • Potential range: $95K–$135K

🕰 Medium Term (1–3 Years)

  • 2024 halving impact continues
  • More institutions may adopt BTC as reserve/collateral
  • Global regulatory clarity boosts confidence
  • Potential range: $120K–$200K+

🌐 Long Term (5–10+ Years)

  • BTC may solidify as digital gold
  • Used in cross-border settlements and emerging markets
  • Scarcity (21M cap) drives value
  • Bullish case: $250K–$1M+
  • Bearish case: $20K–$50K (if tech/regulatory risks rise)

📌 Key Drivers

  • Institutional adoption
  • Spot ETF flows
  • Crypto regulations
  • Fed interest rate policy
  • Lightning Network & Layer 2 scaling
  • Geopolitical uncertainty

💬 TL;DR:
Bitcoin’s $118K breakout ...

00:00:07
Ripple CEO on partnership with BNY to serve as custodian of stablecoin
00:01:12
Brad Garlinghouse In Washington 🚀

It’s time for a fair and open level playing field.

Under Gary Gensler it was quite the opposite.

  • Brad Garlinghouse
    July 9, 2025
00:01:56
👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading

Custom AI assistants that print money in your sleep? 🔜

The future of Crypto x AI is about to go crazy.

👉 Here’s what you need to know:

💠 'Based Agent' enables creation of custom AI agents
💠 Users set up personalized agents in < 3 minutes
💠 Equipped w/ crypto wallet and on-chain functions
💠 Capable of completing trades, swaps, and staking
💠 Integrates with Coinbase’s SDK, OpenAI, & Replit

👉 What this means for the future of Crypto:

1. Open Access: Democratized access to advanced trading
2. Automated Txns: Complex trades + streamlined on-chain activity
3. AI Dominance: Est ~80% of crypto 👉txns done by AI agents by 2025

🚨 I personally wouldn't bet against Brian Armstrong and Jesse Pollak.

👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Ripple National Trust Bank! 🏦 🇺🇸

Ripple has officially filed an application to become a national trust bank, aiming to launch what would be called Ripple National Trust Bank.

This move is designed to bring Ripple’s crypto and stablecoin operations under direct federal regulation and marks a major step toward mainstream integration with the U.S. financial system.

🤔 What This Means:

🔹 If approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Ripple would be able to operate nationwide under federal oversight, expanding its crypto services and allowing it to settle payments faster and more efficiently—without relying on intermediary banks.

🔹 Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin would be regulated at both the state and federal level, setting a new benchmark for transparency and compliance in the stablecoin market.

🔹 Ripple has also applied for a Federal Reserve master account, which would let it hold reserves directly at the Fed and issue or redeem stablecoins outside normal banking hours, further strengthening ...

post photo preview
PERSISTENCE Q2 SUMMARY & WHATS TO COME IN Q3 👀

Q2’25 was a significant one as we laid the groundwork for multiple initiatives on our orange-themed road to BTCFi 🛣️🧡

From being one of the first DEXs to deploy on Babylon, to going live with the beta-mainnet & onboarding new Persisters.

Read more 👉 https://blog.persistence.one/2025/07/10/persistence-one-a-look-back-on-q2-2025-and-an-overview-of-whats-to-come-in-q3/

BTC Interop beta mainnet is back 🧡
post photo preview
Musk Turns On Starlink to Save Iranians from Regime’s Internet Crackdown

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a visionary behind SpaceX, has flipped the switch on Starlink, delivering internet to Iranians amid a brutal regime crackdown.

This move comes on the heels of Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, as the Islamic Republic cuts off online access.

The former Department of Government Efficiency chief activated Starlink satellite internet service for Iranians on Saturday following the Islamic Republic's decision to impose nationwide internet restrictions.

As the Jerusalem Post reports, that the Islamic Republic’s Communications Ministry announced the move, stating, "In view of the special conditions of the country, temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country’s internet."

This action followed a series of Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.

Starlink, a SpaceX-developed satellite constellation, provides high-speed internet to regions with limited connectivity, such as remote areas or conflict zones.

Elizabeth MacDonald, a Fox News contributor, highlighted its impact, noting, "Elon Musk turning on Starlink for Iran in 2022 was a game changer. Starlink connects directly to SpaceX satellites, bypassing Iran’s ground infrastructure. That means even during government-imposed shutdowns or censorship, users can still get online, and reportedly more than 100,000 inside Iran are doing that."

During the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests, Starlink enabled Iranians to communicate and share footage globally despite network blackouts," she added.

MacDonald also mentioned ongoing tests of "direct-to-cell" capabilities, which could allow smartphone connections without a dish, potentially expanding access and supporting free expression and protest coordination.

Musk confirmed the activation, noting on Saturday, "The beams are on."

This follows the regime’s internet shutdowns, which were triggered by Israeli military actions.

Adding to the tension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people on Friday, urging resistance against the regime.

"Israel's fight is not against the Iranian people. Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you,” he said.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, called on military and security forces to abandon the regime, accusing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a Persian-language social media post of forcing Iranians into an unwanted war.

Starlink has been a beacon in other crises. Beyond Iran, Musk has leveraged Starlink to assist people during natural disasters and conflicts.

In the wake of hurricanes and earthquakes, Starlink has provided critical internet access to affected communities, enabling emergency communications and coordination.

Similarly, during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Musk activated Starlink to support Ukrainian forces and civilians, ensuring they could maintain contact and access vital information under dire circumstances.

The genius entrepreneur, is throwing a lifeline to the oppressed in Iran, and the libs can’t stand it.

Conservative talk show host Mark Levin praised Musk’s action, reposting a message stating that Starlink would "reconnect the Iranian people with the internet and put the final nail in the coffin of the Iranian regime."

"God bless you, Elon. The Starlink beams are on in Iran!" Levin wrote.

Musk, who recently stepped down from leading the DOGE in the Trump administration, has apologized to President Trump for past criticisms, including his stance on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Source

🙏 Donations Accepted 🙏

If you find value in my content, consider showing your support via:

💳 PayPal: 
1) Simply scan the QR code below 📲
2) or visit https://www.paypal.me/thedinarian

🔗 Crypto – Support via Coinbase Wallet to: [email protected]

Or Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedinarian

Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

Read full Article
post photo preview
GENIUS Act lets State banks conduct some business nationwide. Regulators object

The Senate passed the GENIUS Act for stablecoins last week, but significant work remains before it becomes law. The House has a different bill, the STABLE Act, with notable differences that must be reconciled. State banking regulators have raised strong objections to a provision in the GENIUS Act that would allow state banks to operate nationwide without authorization from host states or a federal regulator.

The controversial clause permits a state bank with a regulated stablecoin subsidiary to provide money transmitter and custodial services in any other state. While host states can impose consumer protection laws, they cannot require the usual authorization and oversight typically needed for out-of-state banking operations.

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors welcomed some changes in the GENIUS Act but remains adamantly opposed to this particular provision. In a statement, CSBS said:

“Critical changes must be made during House consideration of the legislation to prevent unintended consequences and further mitigate financial stability risks. CSBS remains concerned with the dramatic and unsupported expansion of the authority of uninsured banks to conduct money transmission or custody activities nationwide without the approval or oversight of host state supervisors (Sec. 16(d)).”

The National Conference of State Legislatures expressed similar concerns in early June, stating:

“We urge you to oppose Section 16(d) and support state authority to regulate financial services in a manner that reflects local conditions, priorities and risk tolerances. Preserving the dual banking system and respecting state autonomy is essential to the safety, soundness and diversity of our nation’s financial sector.”

Evolution of nationwide authorization

Section 16 addresses several issues beyond stablecoins, including preventing a recurrence of the SEC’s SAB 121, which forced crypto assets held in custody onto balance sheets. However, the nationwide authorization subsection was added after the legislation cleared the Senate Banking Committee, with two significant modifications since then.

Originally, the provision applied only to special bank charters like Wyoming’s Special Purpose Depository Institutions or Connecticut’s Innovation Banks. Examples include crypto-focused Custodia Bank and crypto exchange Kraken in Wyoming, plus traditional finance player Fnality US in Connecticut. Recently the scope was expanded to cover most state chartered banks with stablecoin subsidiaries, possibly due to concerns about competitive advantages.

Simultaneously, the clause was substantially tightened. The initial version allowed state chartered banks to provide money transmission and custody services nationwide for any type of asset, which would include cryptocurrencies. Now these activities can only be conducted by the stablecoin subsidiary, and while Section 16(d) doesn’t explicitly limit services to stablecoins, the GENIUS Act currently restricts issuers to stablecoin related activities.

However, the House STABLE Act takes a more permissive approach, allowing regulators to decide which non-stablecoin activities are permitted. If the House version prevails in reconciliation, it could result in a significant expansion of allowed nationwide banking activities beyond stablecoins.

Is it that bad?

As originally drafted, the clause seemed overly permissive.

The amended clause makes sense for stablecoin issuers. They want to have a single regulator and be able to provide the stablecoin services throughout the United States. But it also leans into the perception outside of crypto that this is just another form of regulatory arbitrage.

The controversy over Section 16(d) reflects concerns about creating a regulatory gap that allows banks to operate interstate without the oversight typically required from either federal or state authorities. As the two Congressional chambers work toward reconciliation, lawmakers must decide whether stablecoin legislation should include provisions that effectively reduce traditional banking oversight requirements.

Source

🙏 Donations Accepted 🙏

If you find value in my content, consider showing your support via:

💳 PayPal: 
1) Simply scan the QR code below 📲
2) or visit https://www.paypal.me/thedinarian

🔗 Crypto – Support via Coinbase Wallet to: [email protected]

Or Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedinarian

Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

Read full Article
post photo preview
Dubai regulator VARA classifies RWA issuance as licensed activity
Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) leads global regulatory framework - makes RWA issuance licensed activity in Dubai.

Real-world assets (RWAs) issuance is now licensed activity in Dubai.

~ Actual law.
~ Not a legal gray zone.
~ Not a whitepaper fantasy.

RWA issuance and listing on secondary markets is defined under binding crypto regulation.

It’s execution by Dubai.

Irina Heaver explained:

“RWA issuance is no longer theoretical. It’s now a regulatory reality.”

VARA defined:

- RWAs are classified as Asset-Referenced Virtual Assets (ARVAs)

- Secondary market trading is permitted under VARA license

- Issuers need capital, audits, and legal disclosures

- Regulated broker-dealers and exchanges can now onboard and trade them

This closes the gap that killed STOs in 2018.

No more tokenization without venues.
No more assets without liquidity.

UAE is doing what Switzerland, Singapore, and Europe still haven’t:

Creating enforceable frameworks for RWA tokenization that actually work.

Matthew White, CEO of VARA, said it perfectly:

“Tokenization will redefine global finance in 2025.”

He’s not exaggerating.

$500B+ market predicted next year.

And the UAE just gave it legal rails.

~Real estate.
~Private credit.
~Shariah-compliant products.

Everything is in play.

This is how you turn hype into infrastructure.

What Dubai is doing now is 3 years ahead of everyone else.

Founders, investors, ecosystem builders:

You want to build real-world assets onchain.

Don’t waste another year waiting for clarity.

Come to Dubai.

It’s already here.

 

Source

🙏 Donations Accepted 🙏

If you find value in my content, consider showing your support via:

💳 PayPal: 
1) Simply scan the QR code below 📲
2) or visit https://www.paypal.me/thedinarian

🔗 Crypto – Support via Coinbase Wallet to: [email protected]

Or Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedinarian

Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

 

Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals