SBI VC Trade Launches USDC Lending Service for Japan Users

SBI Holdings’ digital asset arm, SBI VC Commerce, stated it’s going to launch a USDC lending service in Japan on Thursday, permitting retail customers to lend stablecoins to the platform beneath fixed-term agreements in trade for returns.

On Wednesday, the corporate stated customers will be capable of lend Circle’s USDC (USDC) stablecoin to the platform and obtain curiosity funds, with a most utility of 5,000 USDC per providing. The product is structured as a mortgage to SBI VC Commerce somewhat than a deposit, which means customers take direct counterparty threat. SBI stated it might additionally re-lend the borrowed USDC as a part of its operations.

The launch marks an extra step in Japan’s stablecoin rollout, bringing a consumer-accessible USDC yield product to market by way of a licensed home platform.

SBI stated the product is meant as a substitute for conventional US greenback deposits in Japan, although, in contrast to financial institution deposits, segregation protections don’t cowl person property and might not be totally recoverable within the occasion of insolvency. Customers are additionally unable to withdraw or switch funds through the fastened lending time period, limiting their skill to answer market circumstances.

SBI expands stablecoin footprint

The launch follows an preliminary announcement in November, when SBI VC Commerce stated it deliberate to launch a USDC lending product and was exploring exchange-traded fund (ETF) merchandise, in response to Reuters. 

The event comes as SBI has been increasing its stablecoin technique. SBI VC Commerce started a full-scale USDC launch in Japan on March 26, 2025, after receiving regulatory approval earlier that month. Circle stated the approval made USDC the primary authorized international greenback stablecoin to be used in Japan.

Associated: SBI Holdings targets majority stake in Singapore crypto trade Coinhako

On Aug. 22, SBI introduced the institution of a three way partnership with Circle, aiming to advertise using USDC in Japan and create new use circumstances for the stablecoin in digital finance. 

On Dec. 16, the corporate partnered with Startale to develop a regulated yen-denominated stablecoin geared toward tokenized property and international settlement, with a deliberate launch within the second quarter of 2026.