SBI Holdings and Circle Forge Alliance to Drive USDC and Web3 Adoption in Japan

Published: November 26, 2023 at 10:22 pm Updated: November 26, 2023 at 10:23 pm

Edited and fact-checked:
November 26, 2023 at 10:22 pm

In Brief

SBI Holdings and Circle have partnered to promote the circulation of USDC, the world’s largest regulated stablecoin, in Japan.

SBI Holdings and Circle Forge Alliance to Drive USDC and Web3 Adoption in Japan

SBI Holdings has recently formed a strategic partnership with Circle, the issuer of USDC, the world’s largest regulated stablecoin. This partnership aims to facilitate the circulation of USDC and bolster Web3 services in Japan.

This collaboration, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to establish a banking relationship. Additionally, it seeks to navigate the regulatory landscape for the widespread use of stablecoins in Japan.

The Framework of the SBI-Circle Collaboration

Under this MOU, SBI Holdings and Circle will focus on circulating USDC in Japan, adhering to the nation’s regulatory requirements.

SBI VC Trade Co., Ltd., an arm of SBI Group, is pursuing registration as an electronic payment instruments service, pending regulatory approval, to facilitate this initiative.

The collaboration aligns with Japan’s revised Payment Services Act, enacted in June 2023, that regulates stablecoins and aims to boost their issuance and circulation in the country.

This Act specifically emphasizes “collateralized” stablecoins, such as USDC, backed by highly liquid assets and offering a 1:1 redemption rate for U.S. dollars.

Expanding Access and Liquidity through Banking Services

SBI Shinsei Bank, Limited, part of the SBI Group, will provide essential banking services to Circle. This step is crucial for ensuring USDC access and liquidity for businesses and users in Japan.

Additionally, SBI Group plans to integrate Circle’s Web3 Services, including Programmable Wallet, blockchain infrastructure, and smart contract management tools, into its digital asset strategy.

Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of SBI Holdings, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement. He emphasized the potential for stablecoins to revolutionize Japan’s financial sector, aligning with the country’s evolving regulatory framework.

As Japan prepares for a more comprehensive embrace of stablecoins, this partnership stands ready to influence significantly. It is poised to play a key role in shaping the nation’s digital finance landscape.

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About The Author

Nik is an accomplished analyst and writer at Metaverse Post, specializing in delivering cutting-edge insights into the fast-paced world of technology, with a particular emphasis on AI/ML, XR, VR, on-chain analytics, and blockchain development. His articles engage and inform a diverse audience, helping them stay ahead of the technological curve. Possessing a Master’s degree in Economics and Management, Nik has a solid grasp of the nuances of the business world and its intersection with emergent technologies.

Nik Asti