Ripple and SBI Holdings are set to launch the RLUSD stablecoin in Japan by early 2026, following the country's recent amendments to its Payment Services Act, which have opened the market to foreign issuers. This initiative comes after Ripple signed a memorandum of understanding with SBI VC Trade, the first firm authorized to handle electronic payment instruments, including the newly introduced RLUSD. The stablecoin aims to enhance the reliability and convenience of digital currencies in Japan, where a structured and compliant crypto regime is favored. SBI VC Trade has already been licensed to manage USDC, demonstrating its capacity to handle additional fiat-pegged stablecoins. The regulatory framework in Japan is particularly attractive to institutional players like Ripple, which can leverage this environment for stablecoin issuance, further supported by SBI's extensive reach in the financial markets. With RLUSD’s backing by cash and short-term Treasury assets, it meets compliance standards expected by local regulators and businesses.

Source 🔗