Figment Partners with Bitbank to Enhance Staking Services in Japan

Bitbank, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange in Japan, has appointed Figment as its staking infrastructure provider. This collaboration enables Bitbank users to earn rewards on their digital assets without needing to manage their own validator nodes.

Since its inception in 2014, Bitbank has maintained a solid operational record with no hacking incidents, positioning itself as one of the nation's most trustworthy and long-standing crypto exchanges. It holds ISMS certification and operates as a registered cryptocurrency asset exchange provider.

Rationale Behind Bitbank's Choice

Bitbank's decision to partner with Figment stems from its commitment to maintaining high operational and security standards. In a sector where breaches can lead to catastrophic losses, ensuring the integrity of user assets is non-negotiable. After conducting extensive due diligence, it was clear that Figment met and exceeded those rigorous expectations.

Figment's infrastructure is particularly noteworthy for its Full NORS Certification for Ethereum, SOC 2 Type II, and ISO 27001 compliance, alongside slashing protection protocols, which are crucial for safeguarding staked assets against systemic failures. A well-established player in the Ethereum staking field, Figment commands a significant share of about 6% of all staked ETH and consistently outperforms network performance averages. This reliability positions Figment as a compelling choice for banks and financial institutions looking for credible staking providers.

Figment’s reputation extends well beyond Japan, supporting over 1,500 institutional clients globally, ranging from asset managers to custodians. Its partnerships include some of the most influential firms in finance like Morgan Stanley and BlackRock. These relationships underscore Figment's capacity to handle large-scale operations and its reputation in delivering secure staking solutions. Such credentials likely influenced Bitbank's confidence in selecting Figment as their staking backend.

Presence in Japan

To strengthen its foothold in the Japanese market, Figment established Figment Japan G.K. in April 2025, aiming to enhance its local engagement. This strategic move included hiring Japanese-speaking staff, a detail that’s often overlooked but critical for effective communication with clients and partners. The ability to address queries in the local language allows Figment to serve Japanese customers more effectively and build trust in a market where local engagement can make or break partnerships.

Furthermore, Figment's membership in the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association (JCBA) since September 2025 has bolstered its community ties, vital for navigating Japan's regulatory landscape. This local presence not only facilitates operational queries but also enhances Figment's ability to ensure compliance with local regulations during standard business hours, helping solidify trust among stakeholders.

“We are honored to have been selected as a staking provider for Bitbank’s Ethereum staking service. Since our founding, we have held ourselves to a high standard of security and compliance, and we have built our validator business around those principles. Bitbank places a strong emphasis on both, so being selected after their review is meaningful to us. We will apply the same operational discipline that has earned the trust of institutional clients in Japan and abroad, including as a validator for staking ETF products globally, to deliver a secure and reliable service to Bitbank’s customers.” — Manabu Iijima, Head of Japan, Figment

Staking Landscape in Japan

As regulatory clarity emerges, Japanese institutions are shifting gears from cautious evaluations to actively providing digital asset offerings within compliant frameworks. This trend is a reflection not only of maturing regulation but also of increasing investor demand for cryptocurrency-related services. It underscores the shifting attitudes within traditional financial institutions towards blockchain and staking.

Given Bitbank's operational history and meticulous choice in selecting Figment, their partnership sends a strong signal to other institutions in Japan. Those contemplating similar strategies can take cues from Bitbank's approach, especially the importance of partnering with a provider like Figment that not only has the necessary infrastructure but also meets stringent regulatory requirements for reporting and governance. This illustrates a growing trend where security and compliance are no longer optional but essential for success in the crypto economy.

Implications and Future Outlook

The collaboration between Bitbank and Figment isn't just a notable partnership; it represents a shift in the Japanese cryptocurrency market. For those working in this space, such developments suggest a trend towards more institutional involvement driven by improved regulations and increased confidence in digital assets.

What this means for you is the likelihood of seeing more exchanges developing similar partnerships as they strive to offer staking services. As they do, operational best practices shared by industry leaders like Figment are likely to influence standards across the board. This could improve security and make the blockchain ecosystem more resilient, helping attract even more traditional investors.

And yet, this also raises questions about the future of smaller or less compliant players in the market. Will they be able to maintain a foothold, or will they be overtaken by those who can meet the new demands of regulators and customers alike? This is certainly an area to watch as the dynamics of the cryptocurrency exchange industry evolve.

The post Figment Selected as Staking Provider for Bitbank’s Staking Service appeared first on Figment.