Ripple and SBI to Bring U.S. Dollar-Backed RLUSD Stablecoin to Japan in Early 2026

Ripple Labs and Japan’s SBI Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a fully backed U.S. dollar stablecoin, RLUSD, in Japan as early as the first quarter of 2026. Distribution will be managed through SBI VC Trade, SBI’s licensed cryptocurrency exchange subsidiary.

RLUSD is built with institutional compliance in mind—it’s backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries, and cash equivalents, and will feature transparent, third-party monthly attestations.

With Japan’s evolving regulatory framework now allowing licensed platforms to issue and distribute stablecoins, this collaboration represents a major advancement in digital finance infrastructure. It’s expected to boost Ripple’s ecosystem, enhance remittance liquidity, and deepen XRP’s utility as a bridging asset.

The move comes at a time when Japan is reinforcing support for both foreign and domestic stablecoins, including upcoming yen-pegged offerings, under clearer regulatory guidance. Ripple’s RLUSD could become a go-to USD-denominated instrument for institutional and retail users alike.

Overall, the RLUSD rollout via SBI VC Trade is poised to strengthen Japan’s position as a digital asset hub and accelerate the convergence of traditional finance and digital innovation.