Legalization of Stablecoins in Japan: Circle and SBI Collaborate to Launch USDC
Stablecoin Issuer Circle Announces Full Launch of USDC in Japan with Local Partners
Stablecoin issuer Circle has announced that its Japanese subsidiary, Circle Japan KK, in collaboration with local partners, is driving the adoption of the Circle platform and technology in Japan. The Japanese financial group SBI Holdings’ subsidiary, SBI VC Trade, will fully launch USDC on March 26. Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer are also planning to list and issue USDC in the near future.
SBI VC Trade Launches USDC, with Binance and Other Exchanges Following Suit
Starting from June 1, 2023, stablecoins circulating within Japan must be registered as “electronic payment means and transaction operators” or “electronic payment and service operators.” This new system, based on the Fund Settlement Law and Banking Law, aims to ensure that electronic payment means pegged to the value of fiat currencies are appropriately managed and circulated.
SBI Holdings’ cryptocurrency exchange operator, SBI VC Trade, officially completed the registration as an “electronic payment means and transaction operator” on March 4, 2025. This makes the company the first legally registered operator in Japan to trade the stablecoin USDC.
Circle and SBI Holdings began their collaboration in 2023, aiming to combine the distribution of USDC, banking services, and Web3 technology to expand into the Japanese market.
According to their press release, SBI VC Trade will fully launch USDC on March 26. Additionally, Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer are also planning to list and issue USDC in the near future.
Circle Co-founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire stated:
Japan has long been at the forefront of adopting Web3 and blockchain technology. The country’s regulatory leadership on clear rules for using stablecoins in its financial system also leads the way. We are honored to bring USDC to businesses and consumers in the market.
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