Overview

• Circle and SBI Holdings have secured approval from Japan's Financial Services Agency to launch USDC, the first stablecoin approved under the country’s regulatory framework.
• Trading for USDC is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2025, with SBI VC Trade leading the rollout and support from domestic exchanges such as Binance Japan, Bitbank, and BitFlyer.
• Circle has established a local entity, Circle Japan KK, to manage operations and ensure compliance with Japan's regulations.
• USDC is fully backed by cash and cash-equivalent reserves held at regulated financial institutions, with monthly third-party attestations to ensure transparency.
• The launch highlights Japan’s leadership in stablecoin regulation and positions USDC as a tool for cross-border finance and a hedge against yen depreciation.