Japan to See RLUSD Stablecoin Launch by 2026 via Ripple and SBI Collaboration

Ripple and SBI to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan by Early 2026

Ripple and SBI Holdings are expanding their strategic partnership with plans to launch the RLUSD stablecoin in Japan in the first quarter of 2026, targeting the country’s regulated digital asset market.

SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, will serve as the official distributor of RLUSD under a newly signed memorandum of understanding between the two firms.

Originally launched in December 2024, RLUSD is Ripple’s first stablecoin offering. It is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries, and cash equivalents, with monthly third-party attestations to ensure transparency and compliance.

SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo called the move a “major step forward” for the reliability and utility of stablecoins in Japan, highlighting its role in bolstering digital financial infrastructure.

Ripple’s Head of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, noted that RLUSD is built for institutional-grade use and regulatory clarity, aiming to serve as a trusted bridge between traditional and decentralized finance.

The announcement comes amid increasing regulatory support for stablecoins in Japan, which recently approved its first yen-denominated token. The RLUSD rollout also underscores the deepening relationship between Ripple and SBI, long-time partners in Asia’s blockchain ecosystem.