SBI Group, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates, has unveiled a strategic initiative to deepen blockchain integration in its wealth management offerings. Partnerships with Circle, Ripple and Startale will enable SBI to launch a comprehensive tokenized asset trading platform, leveraging stablecoin settlement rails and real-world asset tokenization frameworks. Circle’s USDC will support cross-border payment flows, while Ripple’s institutional liquidity network will streamline fiat-on/off ramps and gross settlement functions.
The collaboration with Startale, a fintech startup specializing in decentralized custody and compliance tools, will bolster platform security and regulatory alignment. SBI plans to pilot a yen-backed stablecoin for domestic transactions, enhancing settlement efficiency for securities, private equity and real-estate token offerings. Institutional investors will benefit from integrated custodial solutions, programmable money features and transparent on-chain audit trails, while retail participants gain access to diversified digital asset products through SBI’s retail brokerage network.
Japanese regulators have signalled a progressive stance on tokenized finance, with recent amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act accommodating security tokens. SBI’s joint venture seeks to capitalize on these reforms by establishing compliance-first infrastructure. The platform’s go-live is slated for Q1 2026, with plans to expand services across Asia. By harnessing global blockchain expertise, SBI aims to position Japan as a leading market for regulated digital asset innovation and institutional-grade token economies.
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