Introduction of the World's Largest DVT Protocol 'SSV Network' into an Institutional Ethereum Operations Foundation

BITPOINT, Inc. (brand name: BITPOINT), a crypto asset exchange operator under the SBI Group (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Ken Nakata), has initiated a collaboration with SSV Labs (CEO: Alon Muroch), the developer and operator of the Ethereum-based Decentralized Validator Technology (DVT) protocol 'SSV Network'.

This initiative, building upon the tripartite collaboration announced on December 22, 2025, involving Def Consulting, Inc. (Stock Code: 4833, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Yuta Shimomura) and P2P.org, now expands to four companies with the addition of SSV Labs.

Def Consulting is promoting an 'Ethereum Treasury Strategy' aimed at incorporating Ethereum (ETH) into its balance sheet and enhancing medium-to-long-term corporate value.

As one of the operational means for this strategy, a system for continuous reward acquisition through our staking service has been established. Previously, BITPOINT was responsible for acquiring, storing, and providing the staking infrastructure for Ethereum, while P2P.org handled validator operations.

With the addition of SSV Labs, DVT technology will be introduced into P2P.org's validator operations, aiming for further enhancement of safety and profitability in Def Consulting's Ethereum operations.

## Objectives of DVT Introduction

1. Enhanced Operational Safety
DVT (Decentralized Validator Technology) distributes validator key management and operations among multiple independent operators. Even if one operator or node fails, the overall validator operation will not stop. Eliminating single points of failure helps reduce the risk of slashing (penalties) and missed rewards.

2. Expansion of Revenue Opportunities
The SSV Network has an incentive program for network participants, allowing them to receive network participation rewards in addition to regular Ethereum staking rewards. This structure ensures that the introduction of technology to improve safety also leads to an increase in revenue.

## Overview of SSV Network

SSV Network is a fully decentralized, open-source staking protocol for Ethereum, centered around DVT. By distributing validator operations among multiple independent operators, it eliminates single points of failure, thereby enhancing the safety and decentralization of staking. The network boasts over $15 billion in total assets under management, over 6 million ETH staked, and more than 1,800 participating operators, making it the largest protocol in the Ethereum DVT field globally.

## Representative Comments

■ Yuta Shimomura, President, Def Consulting, Inc.
'Our company's strategy is to position Ethereum as the core of our balance sheet and to make staking rewards a pillar of our revenue. By integrating DVT technology into our operational foundation, we have established a system where validators will not stop even in the event of a failure. Furthermore, we anticipate additional rewards through the SSV Network's incentive program. The fact that increased safety leads to expanded revenue opportunities is, we believe, the greatest feature of this four-company collaboration. With this framework, we aim for steady growth in the medium to long term for our shareholders...'