Important Highlights
- Ripple & SBI are launching RLUSD in Japan in Q1 2026 through SBI VC Trade.
- The RLUSD is validated every month and is fully backed by USD and cash equivalents.
- Japan’s strict, clear crypto laws make it a perfect launchpad for a serious stablecoin.
SBI & Ripple Collaborate Once More to Introduce RLUSD in Japan
It looks like Ripple & SBI are gearing up for their next big move. The longtime partners just announced they’re planning to bring RLUSD, Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, to the Japanese market in early 2026.
If you’ve been following Ripple’s expansion, this one isn’t too surprising but it’s still a big deal. Japan’s crypto regulations are no joke, so getting a stablecoin in the door means jumping through some serious hoops.
Fortunately, Ripple assembled a team with SBI Holdings, a leading financial force in the nation, and its cryptocurrency division, SBI VC trading.
Why This Matters and Why Japan’s the Right Fit
Let’s break it down.
RLUSD isn’t just another stablecoin. Launched in late 2024, it’s fully backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars, short-term government bonds, and cash-equivalent reserves.
It’s designed to be ultra-stable and transparent, with monthly third-party audits to prove it. That kind of structure makes it a good fit for a country like Japan, where regulation comes first.
And there’s more to the story. Japan has updated its crypto laws, especially around stablecoins. Issuers now need to be licensed, or at least work with a licensed financial institution.
That’s where Ripple & SBI come in together, they tick all the boxes.
It was best expressed by Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of VC Trade at SBI:
“This is more than just launching another coin. RLUSD adds real reliability and ease of use to Japan’s stablecoin scene.”
Hard to argue with that.
Ripple & SBI Are Riding RLUSD’s Global Momentum
Japan isn’t the first country to welcome RLUSD, but it might be one of the most important.
Back in June 2025, the stablecoin got the green light from regulators in Dubai’s financial hub (the DIFC), giving Ripple access to a key region with fast-growing demand for compliant digital assets.
According to CoinGecko, RLUSD has increased steadily since its introduction, reaching a market capitalization of $666 million and a daily trading volume of over $71 million.. It’s not quite on the level of USDT or USDC yet, but it’s making its way there, especially in regions that care about clear rules and financial backing.
With the upcoming Japan launch, Ripple & SBI are hoping to keep that momentum going and maybe even spark wider adoption across Asia.
