SBI Holdings and Startale Group Partner to Develop a Compliant Yen Stablecoin for the Global Market
SBI Holdings and Startale Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop and launch a regulated Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin in compliance with Japan’s financial regulations.
Through this Project, SBI Holdings and Startale will combine Startale’s blockchain technology and product expertise including the issue of stablecoin with SBI’s extensive financial infrastructure and regulatory leadership to build a trusted digital yen as a trust-based Type 3 Electronic Payment Instrument, which is not subject to the ¥1 million limit on domestic remittances and fund balance in Japan.
Its goal is to meet growing international demand and power diverse digital-market use cases around the world.
Together, SBI Holdings and Startale aim to position Japan at the forefront of stablecoin innovation by promoting regulated stablecoins that bridge traditional finance and blockchain technology, marking a pivotal step in the country’s digital-asset evolution.
A Partnership Grounded in Compliance to Build the Foundation for a Globally Trusted Digital Yen
This Project will involve the design and implementation of a programmable, globally usable yen-pegged stablecoin framework that complies with financial regulations in Japan and other countries. The stablecoin will enable cross-border financial connectivity, enterprise-grade settlement, and onchain payments, fostering greater interoperability between traditional financial institutions and digital finance leveraging blockchain technology. Both parties are progressing with the necessary framework for compliance with regulations and systems, aiming to launch the Project in Q1 FY2026.
Startale will lead technology development, including smart contract and API design, security and compliance systems, and ecosystem expansion. The SBI Group will lead regulatory compliance efforts and facilitate the distribution of stablecoins while driving institutional and investor adoption. Specifically, Shinsei Trust & Banking, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Shinsei Bank, will be responsible for issuance and redemption as a trust bank, and SBI VC Trade will facilitate circulation as a licensed Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider. Additionally, various SBI Group companies will support the adoption of stablecoins by investors, including corporate entities.
Japan’s Regulated Digital Yen for Everyone: Bridging Traditional Finance, Tokenized RWA, and Onchain Innovation
Japan has positioned itself as a global leader in regulated digital assets, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for fiat-backed stablecoins. This progressive regulatory environment provides a strong foundation for compliant digital currencies that operate seamlessly across both traditional finance and blockchain powered digital finance ecosystems.
Through this ongoing collaboration, SBI Holdings and Startale Group are building on prior efforts in tokenized stocks and other onchain financial infrastructure to create a secure, transparent, and interoperable digital yen ecosystem. This Project extends these initiatives by enabling regulated, high-speed, and globally accessible yen transactions, creating the next-generation infrastructure for a more inclusive financial system.
The partnership between SBI Holdings and Startale Group reflects both companies’ commitment to creating the infrastructure for a new era of regulated digital finance, where blockchain technology and traditional banking coexist to deliver open, efficient, and inclusive financial systems.
Norbert Gehrke
