XRP stablecoin RLUSD is scheduled to debut in Japan in early 2026, thanks to a collaboration between Ripple and SBI Holdings. This move marks a significant step forward for regulated digital assets in Japan’s evolving stablecoin landscape.

Ripple and SBI Unite to Expand RLUSD

Ripple and SBI Holdings have officially confirmed their intention to launch Ripple USD (RLUSD) in Japan through a newly signed memorandum of understanding. The partnership aims to distribute RLUSD via SBI VC Trade, a licensed subsidiary of SBI Holdings.

As an authorized Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, SBI VC Trade possesses the regulatory credentials necessary to operate under Japan’s stablecoin rules. This partnership enables both companies to align with local compliance standards efficiently.

Launch Timeline and RLUSD’s Backing

According to the agreement, RLUSD will be introduced to the Japanese market in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline offers ample opportunity for regulatory approval, system integration, and community outreach.

Originally launched by Ripple in December 2024, RLUSD is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin tailored for institutional applications. Each unit is backed on a 1:1 basis by cash, U.S. Treasury bills, or equivalent short-term holdings. To reinforce transparency, independent auditors verify the reserve holdings monthly, ensuring that all circulating RLUSD tokens maintain full backing.

This framework addresses concerns around reserve legitimacy, positioning RLUSD as a more dependable and transparent choice compared to other stablecoins in the market. Ripple believes this will set a new bar for quality and stability in the stablecoin sector.

Japan is opening its stablecoin market to licensed participants like Ripple and SBI Holdings.

Executive Insights on RLUSD’s Potential

Leaders from both organizations expressed optimism about the benefits RLUSD could bring to Japan’s payment infrastructure. Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, stated that the new stablecoin would offer Japanese users a secure, regulated digital asset alternative while improving the general perception and utility of stablecoins.

Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, highlighted RLUSD’s potential to become a benchmark in the industry. He emphasized its function as a dependable intermediary between the traditional banking world and decentralized finance (DeFi) environments.

Building on a Proven Partnership

The upcoming launch is the latest in a long line of joint initiatives between Ripple and SBI. Their alliance has driven forward blockchain-focused innovation throughout Asia for several years. Together, the two companies bring considerable expertise and industry credibility to the RLUSD project—an advantage that sets them apart in a growing and competitive stablecoin field.

Notably, Japan’s regulatory climate is becoming increasingly favorable to digital fiat alternatives. Just days before the RLUSD announcement, Japanese authorities officially approved the nation’s first yen-pegged stablecoin. This development reflects Japan’s readiness to embrace and regulate digital currencies, creating significant momentum for future projects like RLUSD.

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Conclusion: A New Chapter for Stablecoins in Japan

The planned release of RLUSD in early 2026 underscores Ripple and SBI Holdings’ shared commitment to building secure, compliant digital asset infrastructure in Japan. With strong regulatory backing, institutional-grade reserves, and a trusted distribution partner in SBI VC Trade, RLUSD could very well reshape the stablecoin landscape in one of Asia’s most influential economies.