Circle’s USDC Launches in Japan, Potentially Enhancing Institutional Confidence and Digital Finance Access

• Circle’s USDC becomes the first stablecoin approved in Japan, launching with SBI VC Trade on March 26, 2025.

• Circle’s joint venture with SBI Holdings and regulatory clearance from the JFSA boosts institutional confidence in USDC.

• USDC trading volume hit $1 trillion in November 2024, with 78% YoY growth and reach across 500 million+ user wallets globally.

Circle’s USDC makes history as the first stablecoin approved in Japan, enhancing its global reach and institutional trust.

SBI Holdings and Circle Bring USDC to Japan

In a groundbreaking development, Circle has announced a strategic joint venture with SBI Holdings, a major player in Japan’s financial sector. This partnership will enable the launch of USDC trading via SBI VC Trade on March 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for stablecoin adoption in Japan.

The recent regulatory clearance from the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) on March 4, 2025, solidifies USDC’s entry into Japan’s regulated financial market and is expected to bolster confidence among institutional investors.

Renowned exchanges such as Binance Japan, Bitbank, and BitFlyer are anticipated to join the USDC trading landscape, paving the way for broader acceptance and integration of the stablecoin within Japan’s digital finance ecosystem.

Strengthening Institutional Trust in Digital Assets

Circle’s entry into Japan through its subsidiary, Circle Japan KK, reflects the growing institutional commitment towards USDC. By embedding USDC within Japan’s financial framework, Circle aims to enhance the infrastructure for payments, settlements, and treasury operations. This initiative may very well set a global precedent for the adoption of stablecoins in regulated environments.

Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder and CEO of Circle, expressed enthusiasm over this landmark achievement, stating, “We have spent 2+ years engaging with Japan’s regulators… to enable USDC for the Japanese market, which unlocks tremendous opportunities not just in trading digital assets but more broadly in payments, cross-border finance and commerce, FX and more.”

This venture aligns with Japan’s progressive stance on blockchain technology and digital finance, evidenced by existing regulations on stablecoins. Yoshitaka Kitao, President and CEO of SBI Holdings, highlighted the initiative’s potential to advance financial accessibility and foster innovation in Japan’s burgeoning digital economy, asserting: “We believe this initiative will enhance financial accessibility and drive digital asset innovation.”

USDC’s Impressive Global Growth Trajectory

Circle’s USDC is experiencing remarkable growth on a global scale. The latest report indicates that the stablecoin’s monthly trading volume soared to $1 trillion in November 2024, marking a 78% year-over-year increase, with total trading volume surpassing $18 trillion.

Furthermore, USDC’s circulation saw a significant expansion, reaching over 500 million user wallets globally. As we move into 2025, Circle anticipates sustained growth driven by three key factors: regulatory clarity, scalability of blockchain networks, and improved user experiences.

According to the report, “Beyond the US dollar’s preeminent role in trade, payments, and global finance, three factors are poised to accelerate the adoption and utility of USDC.” Such insights affirm USDC’s strategic potential in transforming the financial landscape.

Conclusion

The approval of USDC in Japan represents a pivotal shift towards mainstream adoption of stablecoins in regulated markets. With robust institutional backing and growing global acceptance, USDC is set to play a crucial role in the evolution of digital finance. This development not only enhances Japan’s financial ecosystem but also signifies a broader trend towards integrating digital assets into traditional frameworks.