tl;dr
SBI VC Trade has become Japan’s first company to receive official approval to handle stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC). This marks a significant step in the country’s crypto market, following the revised Fund Settlement Act and Banking Act. SBI VC Trade plans to introduce a beta version of its USDC-r...
Japan's SBI VC Trade has obtained a landmark license, becoming the first company in Japan to receive official approval to handle stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC). This achievement marks a significant step in the country’s crypto market, following the revised Fund Settlement Act and Banking Act. SBI VC Trade is set to introduce a beta version of its USDC-related services on March 12, with plans to expand USDC support in phases and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Furthermore, the move comes amidst the growing global regulatory recognition of USDC and its increased adoption. SBI Holdings, the parent company of SBI VC Trade, has been actively strengthening its position in the stablecoin market, as evidenced by its existing financial licenses and the memorandum of understanding signed with Circle, the issuer of USDC, back in November 2023.
Simultaneously, USDC has gained momentum, being the only major stablecoin compliant with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. This competitive advantage has led to increased adoption, with USDC’s circulating supply reaching an all-time high of over $56 billion after a 6% rise in the past month.
In a separate development, TRON DAO has been a golden sponsor at the CUBE Summit during ETH Denver 2025, further fueling Web3 growth.