Ripple, a leader in blockchain and crypto solutions, has partnered with SBI Holdings to launch its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in Japan, aiming for a rollout in Q1 2026 through SBI VC Trade. This partnership, announced today via a press release, seeks to take advantage of Japan’s favorable regulations to improve the adoption and use of stablecoins.
RLUSD Enters Japan’s Market
Ripple is partnering with SBI Holdings to launch RLUSD in Japan, where interest in digital assets is growing. RLUSD started in December 2024 and is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, government bonds, and cash equivalents. This backing helps keep it stable. It also goes through monthly audits by third parties.
Describing this partnership, Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, said:
“Our partnership with SBI has always been about more than just technology; it’s about building a trusted and compliant financial future.”
Rippler’s RLUSD has a market value of about $666 million, which is 0.24% of the global stablecoin market valued at around $300 billion. This market is expected to grow into the trillions.
Riding on Japan’s Favorable Regulations
Japan has clear rules for financial services, owing to updates to the Payment Services Act in 2022 and 2023. These rules provide a strong foundation for RLUSD to enter the market. Japan has made rules that focus on compliance and transparency, helping it become a leader in stablecoin use. Ripple is following a similar approach around the world by partnering with platforms like Uphold, Bitstamp, and Bitso to make RLUSD easier to use for cross-border payments.
Ripple has continued innovating without fear of facing regulatory hurdles, especially with its long-standing legal saga with the SEC, recently laid to rest. The partnership aims to encourage businesses and institutions in Japan to use RLUSD, a stablecoin designed for the digital finance market.
SBI VC Trade will handle the distribution of RLUSD to make transactions more efficient and reliable. This effort is part of Ripple’s broader goal to connect traditional finance with decentralized finance, as explained by Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins.
Meanwhile, despite this positive approach, XRP’s price dropped to $2.86 today, reaching a three-week low. The overall crypto market also fell by 8.5% since its peak on August 14, according to CoinMarketCap data. This partnership, though, may help to build trust and encourage people to use stablecoins, which could serve as a model for effectively scaling regulated stablecoins.
Find Cryptocurrencies to Watch and Read Crypto News on the Go Follow CryptosToWatch on X (Twitter) Now
