stablecoin
NETSTARS, a leading QR code payment gateway provider, will begin a pilot program accepting Circle's U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin "USDC" for payments at physical retail locations within Haneda Airport Terminal 3. The initiative, claimed by the company to be a first for brick-and-mortar stores in Japan,
digital assets
The global financial system is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid emergence of digital assets. Understanding the nuanced shifts in investor behavior and sentiment is no longer a niche concern but a strategic imperative for financial institutions, regulators, and market participants. This post provides a data-driven analysis of
tokenized deposits
A consortium of six major Japanese financial and technology firms—including SBI Securities, Daiwa Securities, and SBI Shinsei Bank—have announced the launch of a collaborative project to verify real-world settlement of security tokens (ST) using tokenized deposits. The initiative aims to implement a Delivery Versus Payment (DVP) settlement scheme
stablecoin
SBI VC Trade and Aplus, both subsidiaries of the financial conglomerate SBI Group, will partner to launch a proof-of-concept (PoC) for in-store payments using the U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USD Coin (USDC). The pilot program, scheduled to commence in the spring of 2026, aims to establish a new commercial model
stablecoin
Startale, the Web3 fintech company and core developer behind the Soneium blockchain, has launched the Startale USD (USDSC), a new digital dollar designed to anchor the ecosystem’s financial infrastructure. The issuance leverages the stablecoin-as-a-service platform M0 to manage backend liquidity and compliance. The move signals a strategic shift for
tokenized deposits
Transaction Media Networks (TMN) and digital currency operator DeCurret DCP have launched a strategic collaboration aimed at developing new settlement services for the distribution sector utilizing the digital currency DCJPY. The partnership seeks to integrate TMN’s established payment gateway infrastructure with DeCurret’s blockchain-based platform to accelerate the practical
regulation
In a decisive move to modernize Japan’s financial infrastructure while fortifying consumer protections in the digital asset space, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) has released a comprehensive suite of draft Cabinet Orders and Ordinances related to the impending amendment of the Payment Services Act. Released on December 16, 2025,
stablecoin
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
credit card
Nudge has partnered with HashPort, provider of the Web3 wallet "HashPort Wallet" chosen by 1 million people, to begin offering the "HashPort Card" through the next-generation credit card "Nudge". With this card, JPYC (Japanese Yen stablecoin) is provided as cashback by HashPort according to
stablecoin
Digital Platformer and JPYC have commenced a joint study aimed at mutual cooperation between Japan's first Japanese Yen-pegged stablecoin "JPYC" and the deposit-backed token "Tochika," launched by Hokkoku Bank in April 2024, as well as the construction of a business alliance model with regional
stablecoin
Datachain has entered the field of tokenized deposits, leveraging blockchain technology. In recent years, global financial institutions including J.P. Morgan, Citi, and HSBC have been accelerating their use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) for deposits and payment services–an industry shift aligned with the Bank for International Settlements’ (BIS)
stablecoin
HashPort has signed a capital and business alliance agreement with KDDI. Under this alliance, HashPort conducted a third-party allotment capital increase to KDDI. As a result, KDDI acquired more than 20% of HashPort's issued shares, making HashPort an equity-method affiliate of KDDI. Going forward, both companies will leverage