Circle and SBI Team Up to Launch Japan’s First Legal Dollar-Backed Stablecoin on March 26

Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, is making waves in Japan. In a landmark move, the firm has officially entered the Japanese market. This achievement not only broadens Circle’s global footprint but also signals a significant moment for the entire digital currency ecosystem. What makes this particularly groundbreaking? Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has given the green light, making USDC the first dollar-backed stablecoin legally recognised under the country’s updated regulatory framework.

And Circle isn’t venturing into Japan alone. Through its local subsidiary, Circle Japan KK, the company has partnered with SBI Holdings—one of Japan’s financial powerhouses—to introduce USDC to businesses and consumers. The objective is clear: to deliver a stable, transparent, and reliable digital dollar that meets the needs of Japan’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Major Japanese Exchanges to List USDC

Mark your calendar—March 26 is the official launch date. SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, will spearhead the rollout. Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, expressed his excitement about the venture, saying:

“We are honored to bring USDC to businesses and consumers in Japan. With Circle Japan KK and the strong support of SBI Holdings, USDC is positioned as a secure and transparent digital dollar that meets the needs of Japan’s evolving digital economy.”

The momentum doesn’t stop there. Several major cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan—including Binance Japan, Bit Bank, and bitFlyer—are preparing to list USDC. This development is more than just expanding liquidity. It represents a deliberate move to integrate USDC into Japan’s regulated digital financial ecosystem, offering both retail and institutional investors more access to a fully compliant digital dollar.

This is significant because it reflects Circle’s strategic approach—working within regulatory frameworks while pushing the boundaries of financial innovation. With SBI VC Trade leading the initial launch, Circle gains a trusted domestic partner, strengthening consumer confidence and accelerating market adoption.

As more platforms prepare to onboard USDC, the stablecoin is poised to become a cornerstone of Japan’s digital finance landscape. For users, this means easier, more secure access to a regulated digital asset, offering a seamless bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy.

Development and Future Perspectives

When Circle Japan KK opened its doors, it wasn’t a mere formality; the regulation in Japan was so strict that they had to take the risk. By establishing a local entity, Circle shows its transparency and is ready for closer collaboration with Japanese authorities.

But Circle’s ambitions stretch far beyond simple transactions. The company envisions USDC playing a transformative role in cross-border payments, real-time settlements, and corporate treasury operations. As the digital economy grows, stablecoins like USDC could redefine how money moves globally—faster, cheaper, and with fewer intermediaries.

Innovation is also at the forefront of Circle’s strategy. This is reflected in the company’s active collaboration with technology companies to launch a new range of applications using USDC. These advancements seek to streamline the payment system, including improvements in business operations. SBI Holdings President & CEO Yoshitaka Kitao said that this partnership has great potential for the long term. “By providing this new source of financial accessibility, our overall vision for the future evolution of payments and blockchain finance in Japan will be advanced.”

BREAKING NEWS: Circle becomes the first and only stablecoin to be approved for use in Japanese markets, with Circle launching new operations, a strategic JV with SBI Holdings, and imminent launch of USDC by SBI VC Trade, with other major exchanges to follow.

We have spent 2+…

— Jeremy Allaire – jda.eth / jdallaire.sol (@jerallaire) March 24, 2025

What Lies for the Future

Circle’s entry into Japan is no mere corporate expansion. This is a statement about where digital finance is going. By becoming the first dollar-backed stablecoin to receive Japan’s strict approval, Circle is positioning itself as a key player in the future of what could be a regulated digital currency.

Circle is much more than just meeting the current market demands—through its partnership with SBI Holdings and the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, it’s laying the groundwork for the next iteration of innovation. Circle’s strategic move could bring about a new paradigm of how stablecoins work in a regulated environment as Japan continues to move towards digital finance.

This may just be the beginning. With the global financial landscape shifting toward more open and interconnected systems, Circle’s bold step into Japan hints at a future where digital dollars are not only commonplace but indispensable.