Ripple and SBI Group Secure Regulatory Nod to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan
Blockchain enterprise provider Ripple, in partnership with Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Holdings and its subsidiary SBI VC Trade, has officially launched its U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), in Japan.
The launch follows official regulatory approval from the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA). Under Japan's Payment Services Act, RLUSD has been categorized under a framework specifically tailored for foreign-issued stablecoins that fulfill strict domestic safety and regulatory compliance standards.
Key Details of the Rollout:
- Strategic Timeline: This deployment delivers on a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) originally established between Ripple and SBI Group in August 2025.
- Market Access: The enterprise-grade, USD-backed stablecoin will be available to both institutional and retail users via SBI VC Trade’s VCTRADE platform.
- Growth Indicators: Originally launched in late 2024, RLUSD has scaled to a market capitalization of $1.7 billion, driven by demand for regulated digital assets.
- Operational Scope: Beyond standard retail trading, institutions are actively exploring the stablecoin for cross-border liquidity, programmable trade settlements, and supply chain finance.
This initiative deepens a decade-long partnership between Ripple and SBI Group, who have collaborated on regional financial infrastructure and cross-border payment solutions since 2016.
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Norbert Gehrke
