Is RLUSD the Next Big Stablecoin in Japan with Ripple and SBI?
The official X (formerly known as Twitter) page for Ripple announced today that the company along with Japan’s financial giant SBI’s Holdings have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). The deal allows SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider in Japan, to distribute Ripple USD (RLUSD) in the country.
RLUSD stands out as an enterprise-grade stablecoin that is built on compliance and transparency. It is fully backed by strong reserves such as U.S. dollar deposits, short-term government bonds, and other cash equivalents, with monthly audits by independent firms. It is designed to meet strict security and regulatory standards, RLUSD offers financial institutions a stablecoin built for trust, reliability, and long-term adoption.
What is SBI Holdings’ role here?
SBI is one of the largest players in financial sector and was one of the first companies in Japan to get a license for handling digital payments and crypto trading. SBI VC Trade is their subsidiary that is bringing RLUSD to the Japanese market, while making sure that the stablecoin follows Japan’s strict regulation.
Japan’s regulatory environment can be tough, with strict rules to protect consumers and ensure that there is financial stability. In order to enter the Japanese market, Ripple needs a helping hand that can help the company work around these regulatory guideline and create a stablecoin that is not just innovative but also meets all the said safety requirements. That’s when SBI Holdings comes in and assists Ripple.
What makes this Partnership so exciting?
As of now the stablecoin market is rocking nearly $300 billion valuation and its poised to explode into trillions of dollars in the coming years. With this partnership, Ripple and SBI both of these companies know that they are catching the wave at exactly the right time. Japan has been a leader in embracing new financial technologies but has it has also put significant emphasis on safety and compliance regulations. RLUSD fits perfectly within this picture because it is designed in such a way that it checks all the regulatory boxes. It is clear, safe and very functional for both institutions and everyday users.
Experts Speak
Tomohiko Kondo, the CEO of SBI VC Trade commented, “SBI Group has been leading the development of the cryptocurrency and blockchain field in Japan. Our company has been the first to obtain the Electronic Payment Instrument Exchange Service Provider License in Japan, and have started handling stablecoins. The introduction of RLUSD will not just expand the option of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but is a major step forward in the reliability and convenience of stablecoins in the Japanese market, and an important step in further accelerating the convergence of finance and digital technology. We will continue to work with Ripple to build a safe and transparent financial infrastructure
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, commented “Our partnership with SBI has always been about more than just technology; it’s about building a trusted and compliant financial future. The distribution of RLUSD in Japan with SBI VC Trade is a culmination of that work. RLUSD is designed to be a true industry standard, providing a reliable and efficient bridge between traditional and decentralized finance. We are confident that this partnership will not only drive stablecoin utility in Japan but also set a new benchmark for the entire market.”
It is being said that RLUSD will be launched in Japan in the first quarter of 2026. This means that once launched, Japanese companies, banks and people might start using RLUSD for payments and other activities.
So, could RLUSD be Japan’s next big stablecoin? With strong reserves, a trusted partnership, and regulatory-friendly design, it has all the right building blocks. The real test will be how quickly it gains adoption and whether businesses and users embrace it for everyday payments. If the momentum picks up, RLUSD could not only reshape digital payments in Japan, but also inspire a global model for stablecoin use.
Also Read: Wyoming Becomes First US State to Launch Stablecoin ‘FRNT’
Harsh Chauhan is an experienced crypto journalist and editor at CryptoNewsZ. He was formerly an editor at various industries, including his tenure at TheCryptoTimes, and has written extensively about Crypto, Blockchain, Web3, NFT, and AI. Harsh holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Marketing and a certification from the Blockchain Foundation Program. Through his writings, he holds the pulse of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, delivering timely updates and thought-provoking analysis. His commitment to providing value to readers is evident in every piece of content produced. With a deep understanding of market trends and emerging technologies, he strives to bridge the gap between complex blockchain concepts and mainstream audiences.
