Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is a potential game-changer in the rapidly expanding stablecoin market, which is projected to reach trillions of dollars. With SBI Holdings planning to bring RLUSD to Japan, the stablecoin could be integrated alongside XRP, positioning Ripple for a stronger role in global payments.
RLUSD To Propel Ripple Into Global Spotlight
A recent report by tech researcher SMQKE on X social media has reignited attention on Ripple’s strategic moves in Japan. With the introduction of RLUSD in the country, the crypto payments company could steer its growth in the stablecoin market, which is projected to expand from a 300 billion valuation to a trillion in the coming years.
SMQKE stated in his post that Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service is already operational in Japan, allowing RippleNet customers to leverage XRP for cross-border payments. This development reduces pre-funding requirements and positions XRP as a critical liquidity tool for remittances, particularly in one of the world’s most expensive cross-border payment corridors.
SMQKE further pointed to the alignment between the firm’s ODL infrastructure and the upcoming introduction of RLUSD. With SBI Holdings confirming plans to bring the stablecoin to Japan in early 2026, RLUSD is poised to complement XRP in powering remittance flows and institutional payments. This dual-layered ecosystem, where XRP drives liquidity and RLUSD ensures stability, could strengthen Ripple’s position in a market expected to multiply.
The integration holds particular significance for Japan’s payment ecosystem, where remittance flows from the country to the Philippines, mainly driven by the country’s third-largest foreign worker population, reached nearly $1.8 billion in 2020. Japan also carries some of the world’s highest cross-border payment fees. In line with this, the company’s ODL service, in collaboration with SBI Remit, Coins.ph, and SBI VC Trade, directly addresses these inefficiencies. At the same time, the pending rollout of RLUSD in Japan adds another layer of utility.
Ripple And SBI’s Role In Distributing RLUSD
Ripple has confirmed its recent advancements in Japan in a press release announcing the upcoming launch of the RLUSD stablecoin within the country. The crypto company disclosed that as stablecoins become an integral part of the global financial infrastructure, the next wave of adoption is set to be driven by practical utility and institutional demand.
Ripple and SBI Holdings disclosed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SBI VC Trade, outlining just how RLUSD will be distributed across Japan. The crypto payments company notes that RLUSD has been positioned as an enterprise-grade stablecoin, fully backed by US dollar deposits, short-term government bonds, and cash equivalents, with independent monthly attestations ensuring transparency. This regulatory and compliance-first design distinguishes the asset from other stablecoins in circulation.
Notably, SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo described the upcoming launch as a significant step forward in expanding stablecoin options in Japan and accelerating the convergence of finance and digital technology. He further emphasized that the company will continue working closely with Ripple to build a safe and transparent financial infrastructure.
Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com
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