Circle brings USDC to regulated Japanese crypto market
Circle boosts Web3 in Japan
Circle Internet Financial, a global leader in stablecoin infrastructure, has officially expanded its presence in Japan through its subsidiary Circle Japan KK and a series of new local partnerships. This move marks a significant step in integrating the USDC (USD Coin) stablecoin into Japan’s regulated digital finance ecosystem.
A full-scale launch of USDC is scheduled for March 26, according to the company’s website.
Leading the initiative is a joint venture with Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings. Earlier this month, SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, received regulatory approval under the Financial Services Agency’s (FSA) new stablecoin framework, making USDC the first fully licensed global dollar-backed stablecoin in Japan.
Exchange support and growing liquidity
Circle’s local presence and successful regulatory compliance are now being reinforced by plans from Japan’s top cryptocurrency exchanges — including Binance Japan, Bitbank, and BitFlyer — to list and distribute USDC. These efforts will further strengthen USDC’s liquidity and adoption in the region.
Circle Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire praised Japan’s progressive approach to Web3 and stablecoin regulation.
“We are honored to bring USDC to businesses and consumers in Japan. With Circle Japan KK and the strong support of SBI Holdings and leading exchanges, USDC is positioned as a secure and transparent digital dollar that meets the needs of Japan’s evolving digital economy,” he stated.
SBI’s support and USDC reliability
SBI Holdings President and CEO Yoshitaka Kitao echoed this sentiment, calling the collaboration a key step for Japan’s financial future. “We believe this initiative will enhance financial accessibility and foster innovation in the digital asset space, aligning with our broader vision for the future of payments and blockchain-based finance in Japan,” he said.
Circle’s USDC is a fully reserved stablecoin backed 1:1 by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets. Its reserves are held at regulated financial institutions, with monthly third-party attestations that ensure high transparency for businesses and users.
Outlook and digital finance potential
According to Allaire, the company spent more than two years working with Japanese regulators, banks, and strategic partners to prepare for the launch. Circle has become the first non-resident issuer to receive approval to launch stablecoins under Japan’s strict regulatory framework.
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The launch events held in Tokyo underscore a broader ambition: using USDC not only for crypto trading, but also for payments, foreign exchange, and cross-border commerce.
As Circle and its partners move forward, Japan is poised to become a cornerstone market in the global stablecoin economy.
In conclusion, the adoption of stablecoins continues to grow as investors seek financial stability amid volatile markets.
