Ripple, SBI to Distribute RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan in 2026
Ripple and SBI Holdings plan to bring the RLUSD stablecoin to the Japanese market in early 2026, marking a significant step forward in institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider and a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, will manage the distribution of RLUSD in Japan. The companies confirmed the rollout timeline for the first quarter of 2026 following a signed memorandum of understanding.
Launched in late 2024, RLUSD is Ripple’s flagship stablecoin, fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries, and cash equivalents. The asset is subject to monthly attestations by an independent auditor, a framework Ripple says is designed for regulatory compliance and transparency.
SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo said the initiative will add both credibility and choice to Japan’s growing stablecoin market. “RLUSD’s introduction will enhance both the reliability and convenience of stablecoins in Japan,” he said.
Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, positioned RLUSD as a compliance-first product aimed at bridging traditional and decentralized finance. “We’ve built RLUSD to meet institutional standards,” McDonald noted.
The rollout comes as Japan’s regulatory landscape evolves, including recent approval of its first yen-denominated stablecoin. It also reflects the continued strengthening of the Ripple–SBI alliance, which has been central to blockchain innovation across Asia.
