Minna Bank Partners to Integrate Blockchain Stablecoins for Faster Payments

Minna Bank, a prominent digital bank in Japan, has announced a significant initiative on July 4, 2025, in collaboration with Fireblocks, Solana Japan, and TIS. The focus of this partnership is to integrate blockchain-powered stablecoins and Web3 wallets into everyday payment services, aiming to enhance speed and efficiency. This move is designed to bring a more user-centric financial experience to both consumers and businesses.

Through Fireblocks’ renowned digital asset security solutions, Minna Bank aims to facilitate rapid stablecoin transactions domestically within Japan. Utilizing Solana Japan’s extensive transaction capabilities, along with TIS’s payment expertise, the partnership will simulate transactions in near real-world conditions. Michael Shaulov, Co-Founder and CEO of Fireblocks, emphasized that stablecoins are revolutionizing the transfer of digital value, enhancing efficiencies for industries and consumers alike.

The collaboration not only targets transaction speeds but also aims to merge Web3 wallets into banking systems. Minna Bank intends to explore linking traditional banking identities with blockchain addresses, allowing users to make crypto payments effortlessly without incurring transaction fees. Fireblocks will offer safeguarded key storage and intuitive wallet interfaces. Solana Japan asserts that their network’s ability to finalize transactions instantly, while managing tens of thousands per second, will be beneficial in these banking trials. Meanwhile, TIS will ensure regulatory compliance for pilot transactions through diligent monitoring and reporting.

The alliance plans to proceed with evaluations within a controlled environment until the end of the year, sharing insights with the Japan Financial Services Agency. Should the trials yield positive results, Minna Bank envisages introducing blockchain-tethered stablecoins in Japanese yen to a select group of customers by early 2026. Concrete discoveries from this initiative include rapid stablecoin use for local transfers via blockchain, simplified user experiences with integrated Web3 wallets, and potential reductions in cross-border transaction costs and card fees.

This collaboration between these pioneering companies could potentially reshape digital finance in Japan, offering faster, secure, and fee-free payment solutions for consumers and businesses alike. Stakeholders are eager to see the outcomes of this strategic pilot, which could set a new standard in digital payments. This initiative highlights how blockchain technology can enhance traditional banking services, promising to make everyday financial transactions more efficient and accessible.

Minna Bank, Japan's pioneering digital-only bank, has embarked on an ambitious venture into blockchain payments by launching a pilot project to explore the feasibility of issuing stablecoins on the Solana blockchain. This initiative aims to assess the practical applications of stablecoins in cross-border payments, marking a significant step forward in the bank's digital transformation journey. The project involves a strategic partnership with Fireblocks, Solana Japan, and TIS, focusing on the integration of stablecoins and Web3 wallets for everyday transactions within Japan. By leveraging the Solana blockchain, Minna Bank seeks to enhance the efficiency and security of financial transactions, potentially revolutionizing the way payments are conducted in the region.

The collaboration with Fireblocks, a leading provider of digital asset custody and transfer solutions, underscores Minna Bank's commitment to innovation and security. Fireblocks' expertise in managing digital assets will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of stablecoins into the bank's existing infrastructure. Solana Japan, known for its high-speed and low-cost blockchain solutions, will provide the technological backbone for the stablecoin issuance, while TIS will contribute its extensive experience in financial services to facilitate the pilot project. This venture into blockchain payments is part of Minna Bank's broader strategy to allocate capital into various digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, to support the growth of the blockchain ecosystem. By embracing stablecoins, the bank aims to offer its customers a more stable and reliable alternative to traditional cryptocurrencies, which are often subject to significant price volatility.

The pilot project is expected to yield valuable insights into the practical applications of stablecoins in everyday transactions, paving the way for broader adoption in the future. As Minna Bank continues to explore the potential of blockchain technology, it is poised to become a leader in the digital banking sector, driving innovation and setting new standards for financial services.