tl;dr
Monex Group, parent company of Japan’s Coincheck, has increased its ownership in Canadian digital asset manager 3iQ Digital Holdings to nearly 97.8% following a $31 million investment. This move positions Monex to strengthen its influence in the institutional crypto space, leveraging 3iQ’s growth ...
Monex Group, the parent company behind Japan’s crypto exchange Coincheck, has pulled the trigger on a bold move: tightening its grip on Canadian digital asset manager 3iQ Digital Holdings. After acquiring a majority stake in 2024, Monex has now increased its ownership to nearly 97.8%, shelling out $31 million for an additional 20.6% of shares. This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a calculated play to stake its claim in a rapidly evolving sector where institutional investors are starting to take notice.
Let’s break it down. Monex’s latest investment isn’t just about control; it’s about positioning itself at the intersection of crypto’s wild ride and the more measured world of institutional finance. Since taking the helm in April 2024, 3iQ has been busy rolling out products that cater to a growing appetite for structured crypto investments. Think Solana staking ETFs and XRP ETFs listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange—products that have helped assets under management jump from $785.5 million in mid-2024 to $1.1 billion by June 2025, a 39% leap. That’s not just growth; that’s a signal.
Why now? Well, the crypto market has long been a playground for retail traders and speculative bets. But lately, the scene has shifted. Pension funds, hedge funds, and other institutional players are starting to see digital assets not as a sideshow but as a potential cornerstone of diversified portfolios. And while volatility and regulatory uncertainty still loom, companies like 3iQ are stepping up to bridge the gap between crypto’s chaotic energy and the institutional world’s need for stability.
Monex’s expanded ownership in 3iQ is a clear nod to this shift. By consolidating control, the Japanese giant is not just amplifying its influence in Canada—it’s also signaling its intent to integrate 3iQ more deeply into its operations. This could mean streamlined management, a broader product lineup tailored for institutional clients, and a more cohesive strategy across its global footprint. Coincheck, after all, is one of Japan’s largest crypto exchanges. Pairing it with 3iQ’s expertise in structured products could create a powerful hybrid model.
But what does this mean for the market? For one, it’s a vote of confidence in crypto’s long-term potential. Even as regulators in places like the U.S. and EU grapple with how to classify and govern digital assets, companies like Monex are betting that the institutional tide will keep rising. And with 3iQ’s track record of launching ETFs that attract both retail and institutional buyers, Monex is positioning itself to ride that wave.
Of course, the road ahead isn’t without bumps. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, and crypto’s price swings remain a wild card. But for Monex, this move is about more than just capital gains—it’s about building infrastructure. By strengthening 3iQ’s role in product development and management, Monex is laying the groundwork for a future where crypto isn’t just a niche corner of finance but a mainstream asset class.
So, as the dust settles on this acquisition, one thing is clear: Monex isn’t just watching the crypto revolution—it’s helping to shape it. And with 3iQ in its corner, the company is betting that the next chapter of digital finance will be written with institutional ink, not just retail hype. The question now is, will others follow suit?