USDC Enters Japan Under New Regulations
On March 24, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that Circle will launch USDC in Japan on March 26, 2025. The company partnered with SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings. This marks USDC’s first entry into Japan under the new Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) regulations.
This launch strengthens Circle’s global expansion. It also opens Japan’s market to regulated stablecoins, bringing new opportunities in digital finance.
USDC’s Role in Japan’s Crypto Market
Since 2018, USDC has grown into a leading stablecoin with a $58 billion market cap. It holds a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar, backed by transparent reserves. Traders, businesses, and DeFi users rely on it for fast, stable transactions.
Now, Japan joins other regulated markets using USDC. SBI VC Trade became the first licensed exchange in Japan to list it. The platform will start with select users on March 26, expanding access soon after.
Jeremy Allaire, Circle’s CEO, called the launch a “major step forward for a trusted digital dollar in a highly regulated market.”
Why Japan Matters to Circle
Japan has a tech-savvy population and a strong legal framework for crypto. However, strict rules had limited stablecoin use. Only Bitcoin and Ethereum saw wide adoption.
The JFSA updated its regulations in February 2025, allowing approved entities to issue and trade stablecoins. This change unlocked huge potential for USDC in payments, e-commerce, and fintech innovation.
Partnering with SBI Holdings gives Circle a strong advantage. SBI’s approval and financial network help USDC integrate smoothly into Japan’s economy.
How USDC Benefits Japanese Users
USDC brings several advantages to individuals and businesses in Japan:
- Stability – A strong alternative to the fluctuating yen.
- Fast cross-border payments – Ideal for Japan’s export-driven economy.
- Easier crypto trading – Provides access to global DeFi platforms.
- Business-friendly transactions – Low fees and instant transfers.
SBI VC Trade plans to integrate USDC into its financial services, making it a key player in Japan’s digital economy.
USDC vs. Tether: The Stablecoin Battle
Circle’s Japan expansion challenges Tether (USDT), the dominant stablecoin with a $140 billion market cap. However, Tether faces regulatory concerns, while USDC focuses on compliance and transparency.
Japan’s approval of USDC could set an example for other Asian countries like South Korea and Singapore. As governments push for regulation, USDC could gain more market share.
The Future of USDC in Japan
Circle plans to expand beyond SBI VC Trade. More Japanese exchanges will list USDC soon. The company also launched Circle Japan KK, a new subsidiary, to grow its local presence.
USDC could soon become a staple in Japan’s financial system, used in retail payments, banking, and corporate finance.
Conclusion
Circle’s USDC launch in Japan on March 26, 2025, marks a major shift for stablecoins. With SBI VC Trade’s backing, USDC now has a strong foothold in a key Asian market.
As global stablecoin adoption rises, Circle is leading in regulated markets. Japan’s approval of USDC could reshape how the country uses digital assets. This is just the beginning.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
