Ripple partnered with Japan’s SBI Holdings to launch its new stablecoin, RLUSD, to the Japanese market. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding, confirming plans to list as well as distribute the token through SBI’s crypto exchange, SBI VC Trade.
This partnership will make RLUSD available in Japan during the first quarter of 2026. The move comes as the global stablecoin market, now worth around USD 300 billion, is expected to grow into the trillions over the next few years. This is a direct attempt to address one of the biggest criticisms in the stablecoin space that is, lack of transparency around reserves.
RLUSD, fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits and other assets, aims for a 2026 launch with monthly third-party attestations. Built on Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure, the partnership will also focus on a major step in enhancing Japan's digital finance infrastructure and stablecoin reliability. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, aims to make RLUSD to go live in Japan during the first quarter of 2026.
RLUSD is Ripple’s first stablecoin initiative, introduced in December 2024. The token is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasuries as well as cash equivalents, with monthly attestations from a third-party firm.
The rollout also focuses on deepening ties between Ripple and SBI, longtime partners in Asia’s blockchain ecosystem.
Executive Statement
According to Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, adding RLUSD will give Japanese users more stablecoin options as well as increase confidence in the market. He described it as “an important step in bringing finance and digital technology closer together.