- Circle and Nomura plan to launch a 2027 USDC settlement service for Japanese companies.
- Japanese firms could use USDC for payments, transfers, and foreign exchange settlement.
- Japan’s stablecoin rules may support wider USDC use across corporate settlement markets.
Circle Internet Financial and Nomura Holdings plan to launch a digital asset settlement service in Japan as early as 2027. The partnership would let Japanese companies use USDC for payments and transfers. USDC is Circle’s dollar-backed Stablecoin and would also support foreign exchange settlement.
Nikkei first reported the plan on Thursday. The service would target corporate clients in Japan and support their digital asset settlement needs.
USDC Service Targets Japan FX Market
The platform would allow businesses to exchange yen for USDC. Companies could then use the token for cross-border supplier payments. They could also move funds between overseas affiliates.
USDC is the world’s second-largest dollar-pegged Stablecoin. Its market value stood at $73.62 billion. Circle issues the token from its U.S.-based business.
The planned service targets Japan’s import, export, and corporate currency markets. These sectors often depend on bank wires for foreign currency transfers. Standard wires could take two to three business days to clear.
The blockchain-based setup aims to shorten that settlement period. It would use USDC to support faster movement between yen and foreign currencies. The firms are preparing the system before the planned rollout.
Japan remains a large foreign exchange market. Bank for International Settlements data showed that the country handled $440 billion in daily foreign exchange transactions in 2025.
However, Nomura will handle onboarding, regulatory compliance, and banking system integration in Japan. Circle would support the project through USDC and its local Japan network.
Japan Stablecoin Rules Support USDC Growth
Circle already operates in Japan through Circle Japan. Its local branch handles USDC distribution with SBI Holdings. The partnership follows changes in Japan’s payment rules. Japan’s Financial Services Agency cleared USDC under updated regulations.
Stablecoin activity in Japan has been growing across financial institutions. SBI Holdings and Startale Group announced JPYSC on Wednesday. The token is a trust bank-backed Yen Stablecoin built for institutional and cross-border settlement.
However, Ripple RLUSD also launched in Japan. The token is the world’s 10th-largest dollar stablecoin by market capitalization. Japan has already created a legal framework for regulated stablecoins.
The Payment Services Act allows banks, trust companies, and licensed money transfer providers to issue tokens. The law also covers cryptocurrencies in Japan, though regulators are moving digital assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Earlier in June, Japan’s Lower House passed a bill tied to the regulatory shift. The bill could support ETFs, tighter exchange oversight, disclosure rules, and insider trading restrictions. It would also cut crypto capital gains tax from 55% to a flat 20%.
Related: Binance XRP Reserves Drop by 100M as ETF Inflows Boost Market Interest
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.
