RLUSD Stablecoin Set for Japanese Debut by 2026 Under Ripple–SBI Partnership

Ripple, SBI Set to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan by Q1 2026

Ripple and SBI Holdings are expanding their collaboration with plans to bring Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Japan in early 2026, targeting the country’s growing demand for regulated stablecoins.

SBI VC Trade — a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider — will lead RLUSD’s distribution under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two firms. The stablecoin is scheduled to go live in Japan during the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory clearance.

RLUSD, introduced by Ripple in December 2024, is a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin fully collateralized by bank deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and cash equivalents. Monthly attestations by an independent third party ensure transparency and compliance — two key pillars of Ripple’s positioning for the asset.

“The launch of RLUSD will significantly strengthen the reliability and accessibility of stablecoins in Japan,” said SBI VC Trade CEO Tomohiko Kondo. He emphasized the initiative’s role in modernizing digital financial infrastructure.

Jack McDonald, Ripple’s senior vice president of stablecoins, said RLUSD is built to institutional standards, designed to serve as a trusted bridge between fiat and crypto finance.

The rollout also reinforces Ripple and SBI’s long-running partnership across Asia’s blockchain ecosystem. It follows Japan’s recent approval of its first yen-based stablecoin, signaling greater regulatory openness toward tokenized currencies.