The global expansion of regulated digital currencies took a significant step forward as Circle announced that its dollar-pegged stablecoin, USDC, will officially launch in Japan. Starting March 26, USDC becomes available for trading on SBI VC Trade — a licensed Japanese cryptocurrency exchange and a strategic joint venture between SBI Holdings and Circle Japan KK.
This marks a pivotal moment in Japan’s evolving fintech landscape, reinforcing the country’s commitment to integrating blockchain-based financial solutions within a clear regulatory framework. The move follows the March 4 approval by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), which granted SBI VC Trade the first-ever license to issue and trade stablecoins under the nation’s updated Stablecoin Regulation Act.
A Regulatory Milestone for Digital Finance
The green light from the FSA represents more than just a compliance achievement — it signals growing institutional confidence in stablecoins as legitimate financial instruments. For two years, Circle, SBI, and other stakeholders engaged in extensive dialogue with regulators, banks, and industry players to align USDC’s structure with Japanese financial laws.
👉 Discover how regulated stablecoins are transforming global finance
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, emphasized the broader implications of this development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on March 24:
“This isn’t just about trading digital assets — it unlocks massive opportunities in payments, cross-border finance, commerce, foreign exchange, and more.”
The FSA’s regulatory framework requires stablecoin issuers to maintain full reserves in fiat currency, ensure redemption rights for users, and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards. USDC’s adherence to these rules positions it as a trusted bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy.
Strategic Rollout Across Japan’s Largest Exchanges
While SBI VC Trade serves as the initial launch platform, Circle has outlined an aggressive expansion plan across Japan’s top-tier crypto exchanges. In the coming months, USDC is expected to go live on Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer — three of the most influential platforms in the region.
These exchanges are not only market leaders by trading volume — each processing over $25 million in transactions daily — but also boast massive user engagement. Data shows that bitbank and bitFlyer collectively attracted more than 1.85 million website visits last month alone.
Such widespread distribution will significantly enhance USDC’s liquidity and utility across Japan’s retail and institutional markets. It also strengthens the interoperability of digital dollars within local payment ecosystems, paving the way for future use cases like salary disbursements, remittances, and e-commerce settlements.
Advancing Japan’s Digital Economy Vision
SBI Holdings’ CEO Yoshitaka Kitao welcomed the launch, highlighting its alignment with Japan’s broader digital transformation goals.
“The introduction of USDC enhances financial accessibility and accelerates crypto innovation within Japan’s growing digital economy. This aligns with our broader vision for the future of payments and blockchain-based finance in Japan.”
Japan has long been at the forefront of financial technology adoption in Asia. With declining cash usage and rising demand for seamless digital transactions, the integration of programmable money like USDC could revolutionize how individuals and businesses manage value.
Moreover, the government’s proactive stance on regulation — contrasting with stricter approaches seen elsewhere — creates fertile ground for responsible innovation. By allowing regulated stablecoins to operate within defined guardrails, Japan is positioning itself as a model jurisdiction for Web3 development in regulated markets.
👉 See how next-generation financial infrastructure is being built today
Global Recognition Beyond Japan
Circle’s momentum isn’t limited to Asia. On February 24, both USDC and its euro-backed counterpart EURC were recognized under Dubai Financial Services Authority’s (DFSA) new regulatory regime. This designation allows firms operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — a leading global financial hub — to adopt these stablecoins for various digital asset applications, including payments, treasury management, and financial services.
This dual validation — one in Tokyo, another in Dubai — underscores Circle’s strategy of pursuing regulatory alignment across key international markets. Rather than operating in legal gray zones, Circle is building compliant pathways for stablecoins to function as part of mainstream financial systems.
Market Position and Trust Metrics
According to CoinGecko, USDC maintains its position as the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization, currently standing at **$59.7 billion**. It trails only Tether (USDT), which holds a market cap of approximately $143.8 billion.
What sets USDC apart is its emphasis on transparency and auditability. Unlike some competitors, Circle provides regular attestation reports from top-tier accounting firms, confirming that every USDC in circulation is fully backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury securities.
This level of accountability has made USDC a preferred choice among institutional investors, decentralized applications (dApps), and central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot programs worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is USDC?
A: USDC (USD Coin) is a regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. Each token is backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars held in reserve, ensuring price stability and full redeemability.
Q: Is USDC legal in Japan?
A: Yes. Following regulatory approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency, USDC is now legally recognized and tradable on licensed exchanges like SBI VC Trade.
Q: Where can I buy USDC in Japan?
A: Starting March 26, USDC is available on SBI VC Trade. It will soon be listed on Binance Japan, bitbank, and bitFlyer.
Q: How does USDC differ from other stablecoins?
A: USDC stands out due to its strong regulatory compliance, transparent audits, and partnerships with licensed financial institutions — making it one of the most trusted digital dollars globally.
Q: Can USDC be used for everyday payments in Japan?
A: While currently used primarily for trading and cross-border transfers, future integrations may enable USDC for retail payments, especially as Japan expands its digital yen initiatives.
Q: Is Circle planning to launch other stablecoins in Japan?
A: While no official announcements have been made, Circle's launch of EURC in Dubai suggests potential interest in introducing multi-currency stablecoins globally — including possibly yen-backed tokens in the future.
👉 Learn how you can access emerging digital currency markets securely
With Japan now open for regulated stablecoin activity, the stage is set for a new era of efficient, transparent, and globally connected finance. As adoption grows across exchanges, institutions, and real-world applications, USDC is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of money — not just in Japan, but around the world.