Ripple Partners with SBI Group to Bring RLUSD Stablecoin to Japan

Ripple and Japan’s SBI Holdings, along with its crypto exchange subsidiary SBI VC Trade, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch Ripple USD (RLUSD) in the Japanese market.

The agreement marks a significant step toward expanding enterprise-grade stablecoins in one of the world’s most crypto-active regions.

RLUSD designed for compliance and transparency

Ripple USD is positioned as a regulation-first stablecoin, aiming to serve institutional and enterprise needs. The token is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and other cash-equivalent assets, with monthly attestations from an independent accounting firm. Ripple executives emphasized that this transparent structure differentiates RLUSD from many existing stablecoins, providing the security and clarity institutions require.
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, described RLUSD as a product built for scale and trust. “RLUSD is designed to be a true industry standard, providing a reliable and efficient bridge between traditional and decentralized finance,” he said.

Japan’s growing stablecoin market

The global stablecoin sector is currently valued at nearly $300 billion, and projections suggest it could reach the trillions in the coming years. Japan is seen as a promising growth market after regulators introduced new rules enabling licensed exchanges to issue and distribute stablecoins under clear guidelines.

SBI VC Trade, which was the first in Japan to secure an Electronic Payment Instrument Exchange Service Provider License, believes RLUSD will strengthen the domestic market by increasing choice, convenience, and trust.

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“Introducing RLUSD will not only expand options for Japanese users but also accelerate the reliability and transparency of stablecoins,” said Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade. He added that the initiative highlights SBI’s role in merging traditional finance with blockchain innovation.

Distribution timeline

Under the agreement, SBI VC Trade plans to make RLUSD available in Japan during Q1 2026. Ripple and SBI executives said the launch would play a central role in promoting safe, transparent adoption of digital assets, setting a benchmark for compliance-driven stablecoin models in the region.
With Ripple and SBI’s long-standing partnership now extending into stablecoin distribution, the companies are betting that regulated, institutionally backed tokens like RLUSD will define the next wave of adoption in both Japan and global finance.