Ripple, the firm behind XRP cryptocurrency, has announced a partnership with SBI Holdings, a Japanese financial conglomerate, to launch and promote the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in the Japanese market in early 2026.
In the official release, Ripple Labs said that it has plans to distribute RLUSD in Japan through SBI VC Trade, the crypto subsidiary of SBI Holdings. Strategic Business Innovator Group, also known as SBI Holdings, is a financial services company group based in Tokyo, Japan.
“SBI Group has been leading the development of the cryptocurrency and blockchain field in Japan,” said SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo, “Our company has been the first to obtain the Electronic Payment Instrument Exchange Service Provider License in Japan.
“The introduction of RLUSD will not just expand the option of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but is a major step forward in the reliability and convenience of stablecoins in the Japanese market, and an important step in further accelerating the convergence of finance and digital technology,” Kondo added.
Ripple’s Foray into Stablecoin Sector
Ripple launched RLUSD stablecoin in December 2024. It is fully backed by 1:1 reserves, including U.S. dollar deposits, short-term government bonds, and cash equivalents. RLUSD currently holds a market capitalization of approximately $666 million.
By expanding its reach through trusted partners such as SBI, Ripple aims to increase the utility of its stablecoin and strengthen its role in the convergence of traditional and decentralized finance.
The expansion of RLUSD into Japan through SBI VC Trade is primarily driven by the increasing demand for cross-border payments and financial innovation in the region. Japan, with its high cross-border payment fees and significant remittance flows, particularly to the Philippines, offers a strategic market for Ripple’s technology to enhance payment efficiency and reduce costs.
“Our partnership with SBI has always been about more than just technology; it’s about building a trusted and compliant financial future,” said Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins.
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