- Circle has partnered with SBI Holdings to introduce USDC in Japan, boosting the stablecoin’s adoption.
- Japan’s FSA recently approved USDC, making it the first legal international dollar stablecoin in Japan.
- USDC trading on SBI VC Trade will start on March 26, 2025.
Circle, a global financial technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with SBI Holdings to extend support for its USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin in Japan.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the adoption of stablecoins in the country, seeing that it comes a few weeks after SBI VC Trade, a cryptocurrency exchange under SBI Holdings, secured regulatory approval to introduce USDC under Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) stablecoin regulatory framework on March 4, 2025.
The approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) makes USDC the first international dollar stablecoin to be legally recognized under Japan’s stablecoin framework.
Major crypto exchanges to list USDC
Circle has been working closely with banking partners and regulators for the past two years to ensure compliance with Japan’s transparent stablecoin regulations.
Through this partnership, Circle and SBI Holdings aim to drive the adoption of USDC in Japan by leveraging Circle’s platforms and technologies.
SBI VC Trade will begin full-scale USDC trading on March 26, 2025, following a trial phase for selected users. This launch is expected to increase liquidity in the Japanese crypto market and attract institutional investors.
Major exchanges including Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer have also committed to listing and distributing USDC. This will further broaden USDC’s reach and accessibility in Japan.
Circle’s expansion into Japan
Circle is strengthening its commitment to Japan through its local entity, Circle Japan KK, and partnerships with SBI Holdings and leading exchanges.
The partnership between Circle and SBI Holdings is expected to enhance the usability and accessibility of digital assets for both consumers and businesses, supporting digital payments, settlements, and treasury operations in Japan.
Notably, Japan’s progressive stance on digital finance and stablecoin regulation positions the country as a leader in the global stablecoin market.
By establishing a dedicated local presence in Japan, Circle is well-positioned to accelerate stablecoin adoption, enhance market infrastructure, and support businesses and institutions in driving digital finance innovation.
USDC’s entry into Japan is poised to transform the country’s digital finance ecosystem. With its dollar peg, USDC can enhance efficiency in international transactions, particularly with the US.
This is especially relevant for Japan’s remittance market, which handles billions of dollars annually. Additionally, USDC’s stability and transparency make it an attractive option for digital transactions, aligning with Japan’s ambitions to nurture Web3 companies.
