SBI Holdings' Crypto Exchange Expands Lending to Litecoin $LTC

SBI VC Trade, the cryptocurrency exchange arm of Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings, has added Litecoin (LTC) to its crypto lending service. Japanese users can now lend their LTC holdings and earn interest through the platform's "貸コイン" (Lending Coin) program, which began accepting applications on January 29, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. JST.

This gives LTC holders another way to earn yield in one of the world's most tightly regulated crypto markets.

What Does SBI VC Trade Offer?

SBI VC Trade operates as a fully licensed exchange under Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA). The platform provides spot trading, staking, and lending services to verified Japanese users.

The lending program now supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, BCH, DOT, LINK, ADA, DOGE, and SHIB. Users lend their assets to SBI VC Trade for fixed periods, typically ranging from 7 to 28 days, depending on the specific offering.

Interest earnings follow a straightforward formula: Utilization Fee = Lending Quantity × Annual Rate × Lending Period ÷ 365. Repayment comes in the same cryptocurrency, including earned fees.

Annual rates vary by coin and can reach up to 20% (tax-inclusive) for certain offerings. Specific rates for LTC vary by offering period, so users need to check the platform directly. Minimum lending amounts are coin-specific, and early termination is not permitted. Any hard forks occurring during the lending period do not yield new coins to the lender.

For tax purposes, Japan treats lending fees as miscellaneous income.

Why Does This Matter for Litecoin?

Litecoin launched in 2011 as a faster, lighter alternative to Bitcoin. Its 2.5-minute block time and lower transaction fees have positioned it as a practical payment network. As of February 2, 2026, $LTC trades at approximately $59 with a market cap of around $4.55 billion and daily trading volume of $613 million.

Japan represents one of the largest and most mature crypto markets globally. Access to compliant lending services through a major financial institution strengthens LTC's credibility with institutions, particularly in Asia, where clear rules have become a competitive advantage.

The Litecoin Foundation acknowledged the news on X, noting that the integration serves millions of users and highlights LTC's reliability within established financial frameworks.

What Is SBI Holdings?

SBI Holdings is a Tokyo-based financial conglomerate with operations spanning banking, securities, and asset management. The company's Crypto-asset Business division focuses on digital asset sales, trading, and liquidity provision as part of a broader strategy to build blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

SBI VC Trade has steadily expanded its crypto services, including partnerships for stablecoins and offerings aimed at professional investors. The addition of LTC lending fits within this pattern of gradual service expansion under Japan's strict oversight.

What's the Market Outlook?

Analysts see the development as a net positive for LTC utility. The bigger story is access: Japanese holders now have another avenue to generate yield on their LTC positions without selling.

Lending through a licensed domestic exchange reduces counterparty risk compared to offshore alternatives. Users give up some flexibility, but those who prioritize security over chasing maximum returns get a solid option here.

For more information, visit the official SBI VC Trade website at sbivc.co.jp or follow Litecoin on X @litecoin.

Sources:

• SBI VC Trade – Official lending service page with supported coins, rates, and terms
• SBI Group – Corporate overview of SBI Holdings and its crypto-asset business division
• CoinMarketCap – Current LTC price, market cap, and trading volume data
• U.Today – Reporting on the January 29, 2026 launch date announcement