Ripple Scores Historic Japan Win as RLUSD Goes Regulated and XRP Holdings Reach $59 Billion
Ripple has secured a major breakthrough in Japan, strengthening its position at the center of one of the world's most regulated digital asset markets.
According to crypto researcher BankXRP, SBI VC Trade has officially listed RLUSD as Japan's first regulated U.S. dollar stablecoin under the country's Fourth Electronic Payment Method framework, effective June 24, 2026.
Developed in partnership with Ripple Labs, the approval gives RLUSD something few stablecoins possess: direct regulatory recognition in a leading global financial jurisdiction.
The significance extends far beyond a new exchange listing. Japan's approval opens the door for banks, payment providers, fintech firms, and corporations to use RLUSD for compliant cross-border payments, remittances, treasury operations, trade settlements, and tokenized asset transactions.
It also reinforces Ripple's long-standing partnership with SBI Holdings and expands its institutional footprint across Asia.
For XRP, the development could prove equally important. While RLUSD serves as a stable settlement asset and XRP functions as a bridge currency, both operate within Ripple's growing ecosystem.
As institutional adoption, transaction volume, and network activity increase, XRP could benefit from greater utility and liquidity.
Japan Doubles Down on Ripple as RLUSD Launch and Massive XRP Holdings Fuel Bullish Outlook
Adding to the bullish outlook, market analyst Diana highlighted that Japanese institutions reportedly hold roughly $59 billion worth of XRP, more than 450 times larger than the country's frequently cited $131 million pension fund exposure.
Well, this figure underscores Japan's deep commitment to XRP and further cements its status as Ripple's strongest global market.
Momentum is also accelerating across Japan's broader digital asset sector. SBI Group is preparing to launch JPYSC, a regulated yen-backed stablecoin, while lawmakers continue advancing legislation that could bring cryptocurrencies under the same regulatory framework as stocks, potentially recognizing assets such as XRP as financial instruments.
Therefore, the trend is unmistakable that Japan is building one of the world's most advanced regulated digital asset ecosystems, and Ripple, RLUSD, and XRP are positioned among its biggest beneficiaries.
