Ripple (native token $XRP ) collaborates with Japanese financial giant SBI Group to launch its stablecoin RLUSD in Japan. This strategic partnership significantly expands Ripple's presence in the Asian market. The distribution of RLUSD will be handled by SBI VC Trade, which is the first company in Japan to obtain a license for the circulation of electronic payment instruments.
RLUSD is a corporate-level stablecoin backed by reliable reserves such as US dollars and short-term government bonds.
The CEO of SBI VC Trade, Tomohiko Kondo, noted that the emergence of RLUSD will provide Japanese users with more opportunities and enhance the reliability and convenience of payments. Jack McDonald from Ripple emphasized that this collaboration aims to create a reliable and regulated financial infrastructure.
SBI VC Trade is a pioneer in introducing stablecoins to the Japanese market
SBI VC Trade has significant experience with stablecoins. In March 2025, the company became the first in Japan to receive permission to distribute the stablecoin USDC. This permission was issued by the Financial Services Agency of Japan. USDC began circulating on SBI VC Trade on March 26, 2025, becoming the first officially approved stablecoin in Japan's regulated financial space.
Expansion of the stablecoin market in Japan
The launch of RLUSD is the next step following the success of USDC, which reached a monthly trading volume of $1 trillion. Ripple plans to use RLUSD as a key product for entering the market of real-world assets. Standard Custody & Trust Company, a subsidiary of Ripple, will manage this initiative.
