Japanese financial giant SBI Holdingsis preparing to develop a stablecoin backed by the Japanese yen by partnering with Startale Group. The cryptocurrency, which is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2026, aims to transform financial transactions both locally and globally. By combining its strength in traditional banking with Startale’s Web3 experience, SBI aims to create a fully regulatory-compliant and enterprise-ready entity.
The Intersection of the Japanese Financial System and the Web3 Ecosystem
Chairman of SBI Holdings Yoshitaka Kitaoemphasized that the transition to a token economy is now an irreversible social trend. According to Kitao, the new stablecoin It will become the cornerstone of digital finance in Japan and offer a reliable bridge for cross-border transactions. Within the scope of the project, Shinsei Trust & Banking, affiliated with SBI Shinsei Bank, will undertake the issuance and redemption transactions. cryptocurrencyThe circulation will be managed by SBI VC Trade, SBI’s licensed cryptocurrency exchange.
Startale’s CEO Sota Watanabe is focused on the developed yen stablecoinHe noted that it is not just a means of payment, but will be at the center of intra-Blockchain economics, such as payments between AI agents and the distribution of tokenized assets. Thus, Startale’s US dollar-pegged corporate stablecoin USDSC It will work together to create a complementary cryptocurrency stack.
The Space Opened by Regulations Increased Competition
New stablecoin initiative Japanese Financial Services AgencyIt is also compatible with the latest regulations of (FSA). The FSA recently approved the launch of a local project called JPYC as Japan’s first yen-pegged stablecoin. Moreover Mizuho Bankalso supports the national stablecoin initiative jointly developed by MUFG and SMBC.
SBI previously Ripple 
$1.88 The company’s plans to bring Ripple USD (RLUSD) to the Japanese market in 2026 by collaborating with the company reinforces the company’s strategic determination in the cryptocurrency field. The Startale-SBI partnership seems to have the scale and vision to reposition the Japanese yen both in the local market and in international transfers.
