Ripple Partners with SBI Holdings to Distribute RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan
In a significant move for the cryptocurrency sector, Ripple has entered into an agreement with SBI Holdings, a leading Japanese financial services conglomerate, to launch and distribute the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in Japan. This partnership is poised to expand financial options for users and institutions in the region.
- They have signed a memorandum of understanding to distribute the stablecoin in Japan via SBI VC Trade.
- RLUSD is a licensed asset, backed by U.S. dollar deposits, reliable reserves, and government bonds.
- The stablecoin is expected to debut in Japan in early 2026.
The official press release states that the RLUSD will launch in Japan by early 2026. As emphasized by Ripple, this move is set against a backdrop of a growing $300 billion stablecoin market, which analysts predict will expand into the trillions.
The $300B stablecoin market is set to grow into the trillions. Together with @sbivc_official, we’re bringing $RLUSD to Japan in early 2026, offering users and institutions a trusted, regulated and fully-backed stablecoin built for enterprise use cases. https://t.co/htcrMiQkTe
— Ripple (@Ripple) August 22, 2025
The Next Phase of Stablecoin Growth
2025 has seen a burgeoning interest in stablecoins, particularly following the approval of the highly anticipated GENIUS Act in the United States. Currently, these digital tokens hold a market capitalization nearing $300 billion, with industry experts forecasting further growth into billion-dollar territories.
While early adoption driven by price stability has fueled the initial wave of interest, current demand appears to be driven by institutional use cases and utility. Notably, Coinbase recently listed World Liberty Financial’s USD1, which has experienced explosive growth since its launch in March 2025.
Ripple’s RLUSD is strategically positioned to cater to utility-focused transactions. Its compliance-oriented strategy enhances its appeal within the industry, with Ripple providing monthly attestations from third-party auditors to ensure transparency. Supported by short-term government bonds and cash equivalents, RLUSD promises unwavering stability.
Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, commented on the launch: “The introduction of RLUSD will not only broaden stablecoin options in the Japanese market but also mark a significant step toward reliability and convenience for digital currencies.”
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Vice President of Stablecoins, noted that the collaboration with SBI is focused on creating a compliant and trustworthy financial future. “This distribution in Japan is the culmination of our efforts. RLUSD aims to set a genuine industry standard, bridging traditional and decentralized finance efficiently,” he added.
Prospects for RLUSD
As of now, RLUSD boasts a market capitalization exceeding $666 million and a daily volume of around $70 million, indicating notable user activity. The stablecoin recently gained momentum when Bullish confirmed its use for a successful $1.15 billion IPO in the U.S.
Congrats to @Bullish on a successful IPO! 👏 A portion of the IPO proceeds were settled in $RLUSD, minted on the XRP Ledger. This first public listing with an on-chain settlement process sets a precedent for how stablecoins can shape future listings. https://t.co/AD4AkpPnLD
— Ripple (@Ripple) August 19, 2025
As the launch approaches in early 2026, RLUSD stands to solidify its position and build trust among institutions, enterprises, and regulators across Asia.
