Stablecoin Issuer Circle Announces Launch of USDC in Japan
Stablecoin issuer Circle has announced that its Japanese subsidiary, Circle Japan KK, is working with local partners to promote the adoption of the Circle platform and technology in Japan. SBI VC Trade, a financial group under SBI Holdings, will fully launch USDC on March 26, while Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer also plan to list and issue USDC in the near future.
SBI VC Trade to Fully Launch USDC, with Exchanges Like Binance Following Suit
Starting from June 1, 2023, in order to circulate stablecoins domestically in Japan, registration as a “transaction operator for electronic payment means” or “service provider for electronic payment” is required. This new system is established based on the “Fund Settlement Act” and the “Banking Act,” aiming to ensure that electronic payment means pegged to the value of legal tender are properly managed and circulated.
The cryptocurrency trading operator SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, formally completed its registration as a “transaction operator for electronic payment means” on March 4, 2025. This makes the company the first entity in Japan legally able to trade the stablecoin USDC.
Circle and SBI Holdings began their collaboration in 2023, aiming to integrate the distribution of USDC with banking services and the popularization of Web3 technology for the Japanese market.
According to their press release, SBI VC Trade will fully launch USDC on March 26, and additionally, Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer also plan to list and issue USDC in the near future.
Jeremy Allaire, co-founder and CEO of Circle, stated: “Japan has long been at the forefront of adopting Web3 and blockchain technology, and the clear regulations from Japanese regulatory leaders regarding the use of stablecoins within the financial system are also leading the way. We are honored to bring USDC to businesses and consumers in the market.”
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