XRP News Today: SBI, Startale to Launch Regulated Yen Stablecoin in 2026

Japan's SBI Holdings and Startale Group are set to launch a regulated Japanese yen-denominated stablecoin in early 2026, marking a major step in the country's push for digital financial transformation. The stablecoin, to be issued and redeemed by Shinsei Trust & Banking and circulated by SBI VC Trade, is designed to support tokenized assets and cross-border settlement. The project builds on SBI's existing stablecoin initiatives, including its partnership with Ripple to introduce Ripple USD to Japan.

The collaboration leverages SBI's strong presence in traditional finance and Startale's expertise in blockchain infrastructure. Both companies emphasize the stablecoin's role in accelerating the transition to a token economy, integrating digital services with conventional financial systems. Startale has already introduced USDSC, an institutional-grade dollar stablecoin, which is expected to complement the upcoming yen-pegged token already introduced by Startale.

SBI and Startale plan to launch their yen stablecoin under Japan's evolving regulatory framework, which now includes pilot programs for blockchain-based payments led by major banks. Japan's Financial Services Agency has shown strong support for stablecoin innovation, recently approving JPYC as the country's first yen stablecoin and encouraging collaboration among financial institutions.

A Strategic Move in a Tokenized Future

SBI Holdings' Chairman and President, Yoshitaka Kitao, has stressed the importance of the stablecoin in integrating digital financial services with traditional systems. He sees it as a tool to expand Japan's financial infrastructure globally, enabling seamless transactions and fostering institutional adoption. The stablecoin will be fully regulated, ensuring compliance with Japan's financial standards while offering innovative capabilities.

Startale CEO Sota Watanabe emphasized the broader implications of the project, including its potential role in enabling payments between AI agents and facilitating tokenized asset distributions. The company envisions a future where digital yen and other stablecoins form the backbone of a fully on-chain financial ecosystem. The tokenized stock exchange planned by SBI and Startale will leverage both the new yen stablecoin and USDSC to provide a 24/7 trading environment planned by SBI and Startale.

Japan's Financial Services Agency has been actively involved in shaping the legal landscape for stablecoins. Through the Payment Innovation Project, it has launched a regulatory sandbox to test blockchain-based payment systems. This initiative includes pilot programs led by major Japanese banks, such as Mizuho Bank, MUFG, and SMBC, which are also exploring yen-pegged stablecoin solutions as part of Japan's regulatory sandbox.

SBI's move to enter the yen stablecoin market comes at a competitive time. Earlier this year, the company integrated Circle's USDC into its exchange platform, aligning with Japan's easing of stablecoin regulations. SBI VC Trade has also partnered with Ripple to launch RLUSD in 2026, expanding its offerings in the multicurrency stablecoin space.

The upcoming stablecoin will compete with other initiatives in Japan, including JPYC and the bank-led pilots. However, SBI and Startale differentiate their offering by focusing on institutional-grade infrastructure and cross-border settlement capabilities. The project is expected to complement existing efforts by providing a programmable digital yen that supports tokenized equities and real-world asset flows as part of Japan's digital financial transformation.

Broader Implications for Financial Innovation

The development of a regulated yen stablecoin could have wide-reaching implications for Japan's financial sector. It may accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in traditional institutions and facilitate the creation of new digital financial products. Startale and SBI's collaboration aligns with global trends toward tokenization and decentralized finance, positioning Japan at the forefront of financial innovation.

For investors, the project signals growing confidence in stablecoins as a viable alternative to traditional settlement systems. The integration of AI agents and tokenized assets into financial transactions could open new markets and revenue streams for institutional players. As the token economy continues to evolve, stablecoins like the one planned by SBI and Startale are likely to play a central role in shaping the future of finance.