SBI Holdings and Startale to launch yen-pegged stablecoin in 2026.
The Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Holdings and the Web3 company Startale Group have signed a memorandum to jointly develop a stablecoin pegged to the Japanese yen. The partners plan to launch the asset in the first quarter of 2026.
The companies will create a “third-type electronic payment instrument” (trust model). This status will allow them to bypass the transaction limit of 1 million yen (~$6450) that applies to other types of digital currencies in Japan. This will make the asset convenient for large corporate settlements and international transfers.
Startale will handle the technical aspects: developing smart contracts, API, security systems, and expanding the ecosystem. SBI Group will address legal issues, regulatory compliance, and investor relations.
The stablecoin will be issued by Shinsei Trust Bank (a subsidiary of SBI), and the SBI VC Trade exchange will facilitate the asset’s market circulation.
Startale’s CEO, Sota Watanabe, emphasized that the coin will be a crucial element in transitioning the world to an on-chain environment. According to him, the “stablecoin” will be used not only in regular payments but also in settlements between AI agents and in distributing dividends from tokenized assets.
Representatives from SBI noted that the project will accelerate the integration of traditional finance with blockchain technologies and strengthen Japan’s position in the Web3 sector.
The payment company Visa has announced the launch of its Stablecoins Advisory Practice service. This new initiative within the Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) division will support banks, fintech companies, and merchants in implementing stablecoin operations.
According to the press release, the decision to launch was made against the backdrop of the stablecoin market capitalization surpassing $250 billion. The annual transaction volume in this segment through Visa’s infrastructure has reached $3.5 billion.
VCA specialists will offer clients training, market trend analysis, market entry strategy development, and technical assistance in integrating blockchain solutions.
VCA head Karl Rutstein emphasized the importance of having a clear strategy for digital assets to maintain business competitiveness.
The first partners of the initiative are Navy Federal Credit Union, Pathward, and VyStar. Company representatives noted the potential of stablecoins to speed up transactions and reduce operational costs.
Back in October, journalists from Nikkei reported that Japanese megabanks Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, and Mizuho Bank will join forces to issue “stablecoins” pegged to fiat currencies.
