#Japan #Tokyo #SBI Securities #Kastock #US Stock Lending

Enhancements in SBI Securities' US Stock Lending Services

SBI Securities, located in Minato, Tokyo, has made significant strides in enhancing the convenience of its US stock lending service, Kastock. Starting on the night of July 24, 2026, customers will now be able to apply and make various setting adjustments on a daily basis, as opposed to the previous once-a-month schedule. This upgrade aims to make the service more accessible and efficient, providing customers the opportunity to lend their stocks as soon as the same day they apply.

Having launched its US stock lending service in September 2016, SBI Securities has offered individuals a pioneering model that allows long-term shareholders to earn interest while retaining ownership of their stocks. It was a groundbreaking service as it represented the first time such an option was available to Japanese investors, surpassing other major online brokerage firms in Japan.

Increased Demand for Investment in US Stocks

The investment demand for US stocks has soared, especially with the introduction of the new NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account). Consequently, the number of accounts holding US stocks at SBI has increased by a remarkable 24 times and the overall balance of US stocks has surged by an impressive 46 times compared to 2016. This substantial growth highlights a strong interest among retail investors in trading US stocks.

Streamlined Application Process and Improved Flexibility

With the new changes to the application process, customers can enjoy enhanced convenience. Moving from a monthly reflection of applications to a daily one means customers can start utilizing the lending service on the same day they apply. Furthermore, the calculation of the lending interest will commence the following business day after application completion. Customers will also benefit from increased flexibility regarding transferring stocks intended for dividend collection from the lending pool and using them as collateral for US stock margin trading after canceling the service.

The new processes are summarized below:

Campaign to Commemorate Service Expansion

To celebrate this expansion, SBI Securities plans to launch a campaign titled “Making Stock Lending More Convenient!” starting July 27, 2026. Customers applying for stock lending services for both domestic and US equities will receive 100 yen each, with a maximum reward of 200 yen.

Details about this campaign will be announced on the company's web portal shortly.

Future Expansion Plans for US Stock Services

Looking ahead, SBI securities is committed to continually enhancing services for US stock investors. It remains focused on expanding its product offerings and trading functionalities. Planned enhancements include enabling trading during pre- and after-market hours for US stocks in 2026. This will establish a more flexible trading environment, accommodating diverse investment needs from customers.

SBI Securities remains dedicated to improving user experience and aims to create an attractive investment landscape for US stocks through ongoing feature enhancements and the bolstering of services.

Timeline of Major Enhancements to US Stock Services

This timeline exhibits SBI Securities’ dedication to innovation in the financial services realm, underscoring the commitment to continuous development in the US stock trading segment.