- SBI and Startale advance regulated yen stablecoin for institutional settlement
- Japan strengthens compliant stablecoin framework through bank-led blockchain partnerships
- Yen stablecoin targets global markets beyond retail crypto payments
SBI Holdings has confirmed plans to launch a regulated yen-denominated stablecoin with blockchain firm Startale Group, according to official company statements. The project reflects a broader effort to position Japan within the global institutional digital asset market. Instead of addressing everyday retail payments, the initiative focuses on institutional settlement and cross-border financial activity. SBI contributes its role as a major Japanese financial institution, while Startale brings Web3 development experience tied to the Sony-backed Soneium network, according to the partners.
Yoshitaka Kitao, Chairman and President of SBI Holdings, said the shift toward a token economy has become unavoidable, according to remarks attributed to him. He noted that global circulation of the stablecoin could strengthen integration between traditional finance and digital infrastructure. Operational oversight has already been outlined. Shinsei Trust and Banking, a subsidiary of SBI Shinsei Bank, will manage issuance and redemption. Additionally, SBI VC Trade, which operates as a licensed Crypto Asset Exchange Service Provider, will support circulation within Japan’s regulatory framework.
Rather than acting as a standalone product, the yen stablecoin fits into a broader digital asset strategy. Startale recently introduced Startale USD, known as USDSC, an institutional-grade dollar stablecoin for payments and liquidity on Soneium, according to company disclosures.
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Institutional settlement at the center of the strategy
Significantly, the yen stablecoin and USDSC are expected to operate together as a complementary currency stack. This structure supports Startale and SBI’s planned 24/7 tokenized stock exchange, according to project details. Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale, said the yen-denominated stablecoin will support automated payments and tokenized asset distributions, according to his comments. He emphasized its relevance for AI-driven transactions and on-chain financial systems.
Moreover, SBI’s stablecoin experience extends beyond this partnership. The company previously announced collaboration with Ripple to introduce Ripple USD, or RLUSD, into the Japanese market. That effort demonstrates SBI’s continued focus on compliant digital currency models. Japan’s regulatory environment also plays a key role in shaping the project. The Financial Services Agency recently approved JPYC as the country’s first local yen stablecoin. Authorities have also supported a joint stablecoin initiative involving Mizuho Bank, MUFG, and SMBC, according to regulatory updates.
Consequently, SBI and Startale’s project aligns with a national trend favoring institution-led stablecoin development. Regulators and banks appear focused on controlled adoption rather than rapid experimentation. SBI and Startale are positioning their yen stablecoin as regulated infrastructure for global institutions. By emphasizing settlement efficiency, compliance, and interoperability, the initiative reinforces Japan’s methodical approach to digital asset integration.
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