RLUSD to Launch in Japan in 2026 via Ripple-SBI Partnership

Highlights:

• In the first quarter of 2026, RLUSD will launch in Japan through SBI VC Trade.
• RLUSD is backed by USD deposits and government bonds.
• Japan’s crypto market prepares for regulated stablecoin expansion.

Ripple and SBI Holdings have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on stablecoin expansion. Under the agreement, it will distribute Ripple USD, also called RLUSD, in Japan through SBI VC Trade. The launch would take place in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Friday statement.

The partnership reflects the progressive stance of Japan toward digital assets. The regulators have already approved USDC in March 2025, making SBI VC Trade the first company in the country to distribute a licensed U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin. The RLUSD offering complements the regulated offerings in Japan.

Ripple created RLUSD to be a trusted, enterprise-grade stablecoin. Moreover, the stablecoin holds its value with full backing from dollar deposits, government bonds, and other cash equivalents. Independent accounting firms check and confirm these reserves every month, ensuring clear transparency and strong compliance for institutional investors.

The $300B stablecoin market is set to grow into the trillions.

Together with @sbivc_official, we’re bringing $RLUSD to Japan in early 2026, offering users and institutions a trusted, regulated and fully-backed stablecoin built for enterprise use cases. https://t.co/htcrMiQkTe

— Ripple (@Ripple) August 22, 2025

Stablecoin Expansion in Japan’s Market

Recently, Japan’s Financial Services Agency gave the green light to JPYC, a stablecoin tied to the yen. This move demonstrates the commitment of the country to regulated digital assets. Furthermore, the arrival of RLUSD adds even more momentum to this growing trend.

Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, said:

“SBI VC Trade launching RLUSD will not only broaden the opportunity of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but it is a significant step to the enhancement of stability and convenience of stablecoins.”

Ripple executive Jack McDonald also commented, saying,

“The collaboration between Ripple and SBI was never merely a matter of technology, but was about the creation of a trusted financial future.”

SBI Group was also the first in Japan to receive the Electronic Payment Instrument Exchange Service Provider license. This license enables this company to distribute stablecoin in accordance with Japanese law. The launch of RLUSD builds on that earlier regulatory milestone and pushes the momentum even further.

Ripple’s Global Stablecoin Strategy

RLUSD was launched in December 2024 and has risen in popularity. As of August 22, it is the eighth-largest stablecoin in the world with a market capitalization of $666 million. The successful introduction of the stablecoin in Japan comes after a similar success with the regulatory agency in Dubai. In June, RLUSD was authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The stable currency now covers the Asian and Middle Eastern territories.

🇦🇪🚨 Ripple USD is now a recognized crypto token under the DFSA’s regime in Dubai. RLUSD is:

✅ Enterprise-grade
✅ Compliant
✅ Built for real utility

Another milestone as we expand our footprint in the DIFC and across the UAE.
🔗 https://t.co/uvNcpRZDRG

— Ripple (@Ripple) June 3, 2025

Ripple targets to increase its market share in real-world assets with RLUSD. In addition, Standard Custody & Trust Company operates the system of stablecoins, which also contributes to its enterprise-level structure. The collaboration with SBI contributes to another big step towards the broader adoption in Asia.

RLUSD launch in Japan has been accompanied by the emerging stablecoin market in the country. Minna Bank recently said it is considering stablecoins and Web3 wallets to enable digital payments. These trends are gaining impressive momentum within the financial infrastructure of Japan. Today, the global stablecoin market is about $300 billion. Market experts predict it to hit trillions as institutional interest increases. The introduction of RLUSD into Japan gives Ripple and SBI the best seat at the center of this development.