invezz.com
25 March 2025 03:55, UTC
Circle is set to launch its USDC stablecoin in Japan on 26 March, in partnership with SBI Holdings.
SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, will spearhead the initial launch of USDC in Japan on March 26, paving the way for the stablecoin’s broader integration across the country’s digital asset exchanges.
The move marks a critical step in the stablecoin’s global expansion strategy and aligns with Japan’s clear regulatory framework for digital currencies.
With a market capitalisation of $59.7 billion, USDC’s entry into Japan reflects the growing demand for compliant and transparent digital financial instruments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Unlike other markets where regulatory ambiguity has slowed adoption, Japan’s clear and robust legal structure under its electronic payment framework has made the country a natural candidate for early stablecoin rollouts.
The launch also highlights APAC’s increasing dominance in the digital asset economy, with 29% of global digital currency transaction volume originating from the region.
The rollout of USDC follows Circle and SBI Holdings securing regulatory approval from the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) earlier in March.
The approval came under Japan’s established framework for electronic payments, providing a clear legal path for stablecoins.
Circle said it had engaged with Japanese regulators for over two years prior to the launch, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to regulatory compliance in one of Asia’s most tightly governed financial markets.
BREAKING NEWS: Circle becomes the first and only stablecoin to be approved for use in Japanese markets, with Circle launching new operations, a strategic JV with SBI Holdings, and imminent launch of USDC by SBI VC Trade, with other major exchanges to follow. We have spent 2+
The green light from the JFSA positions USDC to serve institutional and retail users within Japan’s highly digitalised economy, where fintech innovation has been supported by long-term government policy.
Japan’s progressive approach has enabled the development of blockchain-based payment systems while protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability.
Circle’s partnership with SBI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest financial groups, further strengthens the project’s credibility and infrastructure support.
SBI Holdings will play a central role in enabling USDC circulation within Japan.
As part of the collaboration, SBI will help develop and manage the local infrastructure required for compliance, liquidity management, and customer access.
The firms aim to address both domestic and cross-border use cases, supporting Japan’s ambition to become a global blockchain innovation hub.
Circle has indicated that the initiative is intended not only to provide stablecoin access but also to stimulate broader digital asset development within the country.
Circle has been steadily expanding its global footprint through partnerships with licensed financial institutions, allowing the firm to operate in alignment with local laws.
In Japan, this strategy has included close coordination with financial authorities and detailed infrastructure planning.
A 2024 report from Circle highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region leads in digital currency transactions, accounting for 29% of global volume.
This outpaces Western Europe at 22% and North America at 19%. The USDC launch in Japan is consistent with this trend, reinforcing APAC as the key driver of stablecoin activity globally.
The move also follows wider USDC adoption across Asia.
The Philippines’ largest digital wallet, GCash, recently added support for USDC, pointing to a growing consumer appetite for blockchain-based financial tools across Southeast Asia.
These developments suggest that regional digital wallets, fintechs, and regulators are increasingly viewing stablecoins as viable components of future financial systems.
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