Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin goes live in Japan after regulatory approval
CoinDesk 2026-06-25 05:02:34
Context: Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin has been launched in Japan following regulatory approval from the country's financial regulator, which has classified the U.S. dollar-backed token as a new category of payment instrument. The approval allows SBI VC Trade to offer RLUSD to both institutional and retail customers. This development marks a significant milestone for Ripple in its expansion into the Japanese market.
Key Facts
- The Japanese financial regulator has cleared Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin for use as a payment instrument, categorizing it as a new type of financial service.
- The RLUSD stablecoin is backed by the U.S. dollar and has a current market size of approximately $1.7 billion.
- SBI VC Trade, a Japanese financial services company, has been authorized to offer RLUSD to both institutional and retail customers in Japan.
- The regulatory approval and launch of RLUSD in Japan represent a significant expansion of Ripple's services into the Asian market.
- The classification of RLUSD as a payment instrument by Japanese regulators sets a precedent for the treatment of similar stablecoins in the country.