As highlighted by SMQKE on X, Ripple and SBI Holdings are preparing to bring Ripple’s U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin, RLUSD, to Japan in early 2026 through SBI VC Trade. The development comes at a time when Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), powered by XRP, is already live in the region.
The pairing of XRP with RLUSD could transform Japan’s remittance corridors by deepening liquidity, lowering costs, and further strengthening XRP’s role as a bridge currency.
ODL’s Proven Track Record in Japan
Japan first embraced ODL in 2021 through a partnership between SBI Remit, Coins.ph, and SBI VC Trade, connecting the Japan–Philippines corridor. This allowed money transfer providers to use XRP as a bridge asset, eliminating the need for pre-funded accounts and unlocking capital.
For high-frequency, low-value remittances, such as those sent by the Filipino diaspora, ODL has proven to cut costs while speeding up transfers. Japan’s mature regulatory environment made it an ideal testing ground, giving Ripple and SBI a strong foundation to expand upon.
Yes, ODL is available in Japan. ✅
That means RippleNet customers in the region can already leverage XRP for cross-border payments.
Now with SBI announcing plans to bring RLUSD to Japan in early 2026, the stage is set for the stablecoin to be integrated alongside XRP.🎯… https://t.co/FN0JIUwedU pic.twitter.com/4GMzBW7sls
— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) August 22, 2025
The Strategic Role of RLUSD
RLUSD adds a new dimension to Ripple’s payments ecosystem. Unlike XRP, which is optimized for instant cross-border bridging, RLUSD is a stable, dollar-denominated token designed for holding and settlement.
By distributing RLUSD through SBI VC Trade, Ripple gains a compliant USD rail in a country that already regulates stablecoins under its Payment Services Act. This ensures institutions, banks, and remittance providers can safely hold and transact in USD without exposure to currency volatility, creating smoother operational flows.
XRP and RLUSD: Better Together
Rather than replacing XRP, RLUSD strengthens its utility. Payment providers can hold float in RLUSD and convert into XRP at the moment of transfer, then settle into local currencies on the receiving end.
This structure reduces friction, tightens spreads, and improves transaction throughput. If SBI VC Trade builds strong RLUSD/XRP and RLUSD/JPY liquidity pools, XRP will see greater demand as the indispensable bridge asset powering instant value transfer between fiat currencies and stablecoins.
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Regulatory Clarity and Market Outlook
Ripple’s timeline for an early 2026 launch aligns with Japan’s stablecoin regulations, giving time for liquidity seeding and institutional integration. SBI VC Trade’s central role in both the original ODL rollout and the upcoming RLUSD distribution underscores its importance as Ripple’s bridge into Japan’s financial system.
With clear rules around stablecoin issuance and use, Japanese firms can confidently deploy both RLUSD and XRP for faster, cheaper, and more reliable cross-border payments.
SBI’s plan to distribute RLUSD in Japan does not diminish XRP’s role—it amplifies it. Together, the stablecoin and the digital asset create a powerful combination: RLUSD provides stability and compliance, while XRP ensures speed and efficiency. For Japan’s massive remittance market, this means better customer experiences and reduced costs.
For XRP, it means stronger liquidity, higher demand, and a deeper foothold in one of Ripple’s most strategic regions. As SMQKE noted, the deal could mark a turning point, setting the stage for XRP’s greater adoption in Japan’s payment ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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