SBI VC Trade has become the first 'electronic payment method trading operator' in Japan, opening the legal USDC trading for the first time.

SBI VC Trade has officially become the first registered operator

SBI's cryptocurrency trading subsidiary, SBI VC Trade Co., Ltd., officially completed the registration as a "Electronic Payment Method and Other Transaction Businesses" on March 4, 2025. This makes the company the first in Japan to legally trade the stablecoin "USDC".

What is the new system needed for stablecoin exchange?

From June 1, 2023, stablecoins circulating in Japan must be registered as 'operators of electronic payment means, etc.' or 'operators of electronic payment services, etc.' This new system is based on the 'Fund Settlement Act' and the 'Banking Act' to ensure proper management and circulation of electronic payment means pegged to the value of legal tender.

SBI VC Trade's registration approval marks the first of its kind in Japan, signifying a significant step forward for the widespread adoption of stablecoins in Japan.

Collaborate with Circle to promote USDC trading

SBI Holdings signed a basic business cooperation agreement with Circle Internet Financial, the issuer of the world's largest regulated stablecoin USDC, as early as November 2023.

With the completion of this registration, SBI VC Trade plans to launch the USDC Beta version to limited users after the system maintenance on March 12, 2025, and prepare for the official trading opening.

What is USDC? High transparency and stability of digital assets

USDC is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, fully backed by cash and cash equivalents, with the following features:

Exchange USD 1:1

Reserve assets are held in trusted financial institutions

Accept third-party audits monthly to ensure transparency

SBI VC Trade provides a digital dollar access channel through USDC transactions, supporting the development of Japan's digital economy.

SBI VC Trade has obtained 3 licenses and is exploring new services

With the registration of "electronic payment method and other trading operators" (No. 00001) this time, SBI VC Trade now has the following 3 licenses:

Cryptocurrency Trading Business (No. 00011)

The first type of financial commodity trading business (No. 3247)

Transaction industry such as electronic payment methods (No. 00001)

This enables SBI VC Trade to combine cryptocurrencies with stablecoins, develop innovative financial services, and contribute to the further development of digital payments in Japan.

The future development of the stable coin market in Japan

SBI VC Trade registration success this time, may become the pioneer of stable coin trading in Japan. With the increasingly perfect government regulatory environment, the popularity of USDC and other stablecoins is expected to bring about significant changes to the Japanese financial market.

The market is concerned about the future full introduction of USDC and the development of new digital payment services, which is expected to have a profound impact on the Japanese financial ecosystem.

This article SBI VC Trade becomes the first 'electronic payment means and other transaction operators' in Japan, the first to open a legal USDC transaction first appeared in the Chain News ABMedia.