Ripple is preparing to take a big step in Asia with the launch of its U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin, RLUSD, in Japan. The rollout, expected in the first quarter of 2026, will be carried out in partnership with SBI Holdings and its crypto arm, SBI VC Trade. The move follows a newly signed memorandum of understanding between Ripple and SBI, further deepening their long-standing collaboration.
Tomohiko Kondo, CEO of SBI VC Trade, described the launch as more than just another stablecoin entering the market. “The introduction of RLUSD will not just expand the option of stablecoins in the Japanese market, but is a major step forward in the reliability and convenience of stablecoins here. It’s also an important step toward bringing finance and digital technology closer together,” he said.
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, echoed the sentiment, calling RLUSD a new industry standard. “Our stablecoin is designed to be a reliable bridge between traditional finance and the world of decentralized finance. With this partnership in Japan, we’re confident RLUSD will set a benchmark for stablecoin adoption globally.”
RLUSD isn’t new to the global stage. First launched in December last year, the stablecoin is backed one-to-one by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasury securities, and other liquid cash equivalents. Independent monthly attestations ensure transparency and trust. As of August, RLUSD had reached a market capitalization of $666 million, ranking as the eighth-largest stablecoin, just behind PayPal’s PYUSD, according to CoinMarketCap.
Japan’s rollout comes at a time when the country is preparing to issue its first officially recognized stablecoin, highlighting a broader effort to regulate and integrate digital currencies into its financial system. The move also follows Ripple’s approval from Dubai’s financial regulator earlier this year, allowing RLUSD to be integrated into regional payment networks.
With regulatory green lights in both Dubai and Japan, Ripple is signaling that RLUSD is more than just another stablecoin it’s aiming for global relevance and utility in bridging the gap between traditional banking and the growing world of digital assets.
