SBI Launches Japan's First Regulated USDC Lending at 10% Yield

SBI VC Trade Debuts Japan’s First Regulated USDC Lending with 10% Yield

SBI VC Trade, the digital asset subsidiary of Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings, launched the country's first licensed lending service for USD Coin (USDC) on March 18, 2026. The platform allows retail users to lend the stablecoin to SBI in exchange for a 10% annual interest rate, with individual applications capped at 5,000 USDC per offering.

This product is structured as a fixed-term loan directly to SBI VC Trade, not as a traditional deposit. This distinction means user assets are not covered by segregation protections and could be unrecoverable in the event of SBI's insolvency. Investors also cannot withdraw or transfer their USDC during the lending term, exposing them to market risk without the ability to react.

Launch Builds on SBI's Broader Stablecoin Strategy

The lending service represents a key milestone in SBI's expanding digital asset strategy, which has been developing for over a year. The groundwork was laid on March 26, 2025, when USDC became the first global dollar-backed stablecoin to receive full regulatory approval for use in Japan. This was followed by SBI's joint venture with Circle, announced on August 22, aimed at promoting USDC adoption within the country.

Looking ahead, SBI is further diversifying its stablecoin initiatives. On December 16, the company announced a partnership with Startale to develop a regulated, yen-denominated stablecoin. This new stablecoin, intended for tokenized assets and global settlement, is planned for launch in the second quarter of 2026, underscoring SBI's long-term commitment to integrating regulated digital currencies into Japan's financial ecosystem.