XRP News Today: Ripple and SBI Redefine Trust in Japan’s Stablecoin Market With RLUSD Launch

Ripple, the blockchain company behind the XRP cryptocurrency, has announced its plans to introduce its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, in Japan by the first quarter of 2026, in partnership with SBI Holdings, a leading Japanese financial services conglomerate. The stablecoin will be distributed through SBI VC Trade, the licensed crypto division of SBI Group, which already handles U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins such as USDC in the country.

RLUSD, launched in December 2024, is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term U.S. Treasury securities, and cash equivalents, with monthly attestations provided by a third-party accounting firm. This structure is designed to meet regulatory standards and provide institutional-grade transparency, distinguishing it from other stablecoins in the market. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized that RLUSD was launched under a New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) charter, aligning it with the regulatory clarity required for institutional adoption.

The partnership with SBI is a strategic move to expand the utility and adoption of RLUSD in Japan, a market increasingly open to stablecoin innovation. Japan’s Payment Services Act amendments, effective since 2023, have created a structured licensing regime for stablecoin issuance and distribution, allowing foreign-backed stablecoins to enter the market under regulated conditions. SBI VC Trade, the first firm in Japan to obtain an Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider license, will serve as the distribution partner for RLUSD.

SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo highlighted that the introduction of RLUSD would expand stablecoin options for Japanese users and represent a significant step forward in reliability and convenience within the country’s digital finance infrastructure. Ripple’s Jack McDonald added that RLUSD is designed to bridge traditional and decentralized finance, offering a secure and efficient alternative for institutions and users seeking stable digital assets.

The rollout of RLUSD in Japan comes amid broader regulatory developments and growing demand for stablecoins in the region. Japan’s evolving regulatory framework has positioned the country as a potential leader in compliant stablecoin adoption, with other major financial players also exploring tokenization and digital asset platforms. The stablecoin market globally reached $266 billion in value as of mid-August 2025, with RLUSD currently holding a market cap of approximately $666 million and a daily trading volume of $71 million.

Ripple’s collaboration with SBI marks a continuation of their long-standing partnership in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, which has previously included XRP-based services across SBI’s platforms. The venture is expected to leverage SBI’s extensive institutional and retail reach in Japan to drive the adoption of RLUSD as a trusted and transparent stablecoin option.

Source: [1] Ripple (XRP) and Stablecoins: 4 Things Investors Need to Know (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ripple-xrp-stablecoins-4-things-110000919.html) [2] Ripple News: RLUSD Stablecoin to be Distributed in Japan (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/22/ripple-sbi-plan-rlusd-stablecoin-distribution-in-japan-by-2026) [3] Ripple partners with SBI to roll out RLUSD stablecoin in (https://www.theblock.co/post/367897/ripple-rlusd-stablecoin-sbi-japan) [4] SBI Forms New Ties With Circle, Ripple And Startale (https://cointelegraph.com/news/sbi-japan-blockchain-partnership-circle-ripple-startale) [5] Ripple and SBI plan to distribute RLUSD in Japan (https://ripple.com/ripple-press/ripple-and-sbi-plan-to-distribute-rlusd-in-japan/) [6] Ripple and SBI to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan by (https://decrypt.co/336380/ripple-sbi-to-launch-rlusd-stablecoin-japan-early-2026)