XRP News: Ripple Launches Stablecoin RLUSD in Japan with SBI

Ripple has partnered with SBI Holdings to bring the stablecoin RLUSD to Japan in the first quarter of 2026. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on August 22, positioning SBI VC Trade as the distribution partner for Ripple's enterprise-grade stablecoin. SBI VC Trade holds a license as a Japanese electronic payment instrument exchange service provider, becoming the first licensed entity in the country to handle stablecoins. This partnership marks Ripple's latest expansion into regulated markets and reaffirms SBI's leading position in the cryptocurrency market in Japan. RLUSD Targeting the Needs of Organizations RLUSD was launched as a solution by Ripple to meet the stablecoin requirements for institutions. This token is fully backed by deposits in US dollars, short-term government bonds, and cash equivalents. Third-party accounting firms provide monthly attestations to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. The stablecoin market reached a value of nearly 274 billion USD as of August 2025, with RLUSD accounting for 667 million USD. Industry forecasts indicate that the market will grow by trillions of dollars in the coming years, thanks to the adoption by organizations and the expansion of utility. RLUSD positions itself as a compliance-focused alternative solution for existing stablecoins, capable of expanding market participation. Jack McDonald, Senior Vice President in charge of Stablecoin at Ripple, noted the focus on regulation in the partnership. The CEO stated that RLUSD serves as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized finance, while also meeting industry standards for reliability and efficiency. Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, described the introduction of RLUSD as an expansion of stablecoin options in Japan. The CEO emphasized the role of this move in promoting the convergence of financial technology and building transparent financial infrastructure.

SBI Expands Cryptocurrency Investment Portfolio on Three Fronts SBI Holdings announced three separate cryptocurrency initiatives on August 22, showcasing the company's comprehensive digital asset strategy. In addition to its partnership with Ripple, SBI has also established a joint venture with Circle and Startale Group for different market segments. The partnership between Circle focuses on promoting the USDC stablecoin in Japan. SBI and Circle Internet Holdings established a joint venture following a memorandum of understanding in November 2023. This collaboration aims to create new use cases for digital finance and Web3 while leveraging SBI's financial infrastructure. In addition, SBI has acquired 50 million USD worth of Circle shares as a strategic investor after Circle was listed on the NYSE. This investment strengthens the collaborative foundation and positions SBI within Circle's ecosystem. SBI VC Trade became the first registered electronic payment tool service provider in Japan in March 2025, then launched USDC trading services. The partnership between Startale Group and tokenized stocks and real assets. This joint venture is expected to launch a 24/7 online trading platform, catering to a projected market opportunity of $18.9 trillion in tokenized assets by 2033. This platform will have fractional ownership, cross-border payments, and an enterprise-level security framework. SBI Holdings operates as a comprehensive financial group managing over 11 trillion JPY (74 billion USD) in assets. The company serves 65 million customers worldwide, including 14 million securities accounts, offering significant distribution potential for cryptocurrency products. The launch of RLUSD is based on SBI's current relationship with Ripple and its participation in the XRP ecosystem. SBI has supported the adoption of XRP in Japan through various initiatives, making the RLUSD partnership a natural extension of cooperation. Moreover, the clarity in Japan's regulations regarding stablecoins facilitates the introduction of RLUSD. The national electronic payment framework provides clear guidelines for the operation of stablecoins, reducing regulatory uncertainty for operators such as SBI VC Trade. The Convergence of Traditional Finance and Digital Technology These three announcements demonstrate SBI's comprehensive approach to integrating digital assets. The company simultaneously addresses the distribution of stablecoins, the trading of digital assets, and cryptocurrency services for organizations through strategic partnerships. Yoshitaka Kitao, the Chairman and CEO of SBI Holdings, described these initiatives as aimed at capturing the structural transformation in the global financial market. The CEO emphasized that the convergence of traditional finance and DeFi is the driving force behind the company's digital asset strategy. The RLUSD partnership brings Ripple into Japan's growing stablecoin ecosystem alongside Circle's USDC. The launch timeline seems to provide enough time to prepare for compliance and market training before this stablecoin is launched in Japan. Finally, SBI's expansion into cryptocurrency in various directions demonstrates the organization's trust in the digital asset infrastructure.