Japan is rapidly becoming a leader in blockchain innovation. In a move that confirms this trend, SMBC Nikko Securities (part of SMFG Group) has officially partnered with Hashed, a major Korean Web3 VC firm, to launch a $100 million Web3 fund aimed at scaling blockchain startups in Asia.
The announcement, published in SMBC’s official investor release on May 21, confirms that this fund will focus on early-stage Web3 projects, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, consumer applications, and cross-chain tools.
“We believe Web3 will play a key role in the future of finance and user experiences,” reads the SMBC statement.
Hashed, known for backing Terra and Axie Infinity in early rounds, adds strategic firepower to the initiative, while SMFG brings institutional weight and regional credibility.
A Strategic Pivot for Asia’s Web3 Ecosystem
This joint fund positions Japan at the center of Asia’s blockchain growth, especially as South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong continue to develop crypto-friendly frameworks.
While many Western VCs are slowing Web3 exposure, this $100M bet shows that Asian capital is still betting big on the future of decentralized technologies.
The fund also signals growing institutional confidence in the crypto sector, even as regulatory uncertainty continues to impact the U.S. and European markets.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for Global Crypto
Japan has often been conservative in crypto regulation, but this fund hints at a major shift: from cautious oversight to active leadership. As traditional banks like SMFG enter the arena with real capital, the narrative around Web3 in Asia could be reshaped.If other banks follow suit, we may be witnessing the emergence of a new investment cycle — one rooted in Asia, with Japan in the driver’s seat.
