Ripple and SBI Team Up for RLUSD Launch in Japan; XRP Price Drops

In a significant move, Ripple Labs has partnered with the Japanese financial services giant SBI Holdings to distribute its new stablecoin, RLUSD, within the nation. The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, will launch RLUSD through SBI VC Trade, commencing in Q1 2026. This collaboration marks a major step towards expanding stablecoin options in Japan’s market, with SBI VC Trade holding multiple financial licenses including being the first Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider in the country.