Ripple and SBI Holdings have announced plans for the launch of the dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD in Japan in early 2026. This event could have a significant impact on the remittance market in the country.
Launch of RLUSD in Japan
According to reports, Ripple and SBI Holdings are preparing to launch the dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD in Japan through the SBI VC Trade platform. This development comes alongside the already operational Ripple On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) system, which is powered by XRP.
Role of ODL in Japan
ODL was first implemented in Japan in 2021 through a partnership between SBI Remit, Coins.ph, and SBI VC Trade, allowing the use of XRP as a bridge asset for money transfers between Japan and the Philippines. This system has proven to reduce costs and expedite transfers, particularly for high-frequency remittances from the diaspora.
Market Outlook and Regulatory Issues
The launch of RLUSD in 2026 is expected to foster the development of the stablecoin market in Japan, where clear regulatory guidelines already exist. This will enable institutions and remittance providers to conduct transactions in USD without exposure to currency volatility.
The launch of RLUSD in Japan could significantly change the remittance landscape in the country, providing greater liquidity and reducing costs for users. The collaboration between Ripple and SBI Holdings demonstrates the potential for synergy between traditional financial systems and new cryptocurrency technologies.
