On December 28, 2023, Monex Group, Inc., a major Japanese financial group, has acquired a majority stake in 3iQ Digital Holdings, Inc., a Canadian pioneer in crypto asset management. This acquisition is a strategic expansion for Monex, which operates in online brokerage, crypto exchange, and asset management worldwide.

3iQ, based in Ontario, Canada, has been a leader in digital asset innovation. It made history as North America's first to launch regulated exchange-listed funds for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The firm also introduced Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange, further establishing its market leadership. Additionally, 3iQ was the first globally to add Staking capabilities to an Ethereum ETF, marking a significant development in digital asset management.

The company also introduced the 3iQ Managed Account Platform (QMAP), the industry's first comprehensive suite of crypto hedge fund managed accounts, designed to meet the demands of institutional investors with a focus on security, transparency, and efficiency.

Responding to the trend of crypto asset exchanges moving towards asset management, 3iQ plans to offer advanced asset management services on an outsourced basis, aiming to transform the crypto asset trading and management landscape.

Yuko Seimei, CEO of Monex Group, and Frederick T. Pye, Chairman and CEO of 3iQ, both highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership. Monex Group's financial advisor was TD Cowen, with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP as legal advisor. For 3iQ, Cinaport Capital Inc. served as financial advisor, and Wildeboer Dellelce LLP as legal advisor.