RLUSD Launch in Japan Gets Underway Next Year
Ripple, the blockchain payments giant, is partnering with Japan’s financial powerhouse SBI Holdings and and its subsidiary SBI VC Trade Co., Ltd., a provider of crypto asset exchange business, to launch a new stablecoin, RLUSD, targeting the rapidly expanding $300 billion stablecoin market.
This strategic move signals the companies’ commitment to cementing a foothold in Japan’s burgeoning digital currency ecosystem. Furthermore, SBI plans to roll out the RLUSD stablecoin in the first quarter of 2026.
Stablecoins, digital currencies pegged to traditional fiat, have surged in popularity due to their stability compared to volatile assets like Bitcoin or XRP.
With the global market already at $300 billion, analysts project it could reach trillions, driven by rising demand for digital payments, cross-border transactions, and DeFi applications.
RLUSD is being developed to meet Japan’s strict financial regulations, ensuring a secure and reliable digital currency for both retail and institutional users. By aligning with regulatory standards, Ripple and SBI position RLUSD as a trusted bridge between traditional finance and the growing digital asset ecosystem.
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, noted, “The distribution of RLUSD in Japan with SBI VC Trade is a culmination of that work. RLUSD is designed to be a true industry standard, providing a reliable and efficient bridge between traditional and decentralized finance. We are confident that this partnership will not only drive stablecoin utility in Japan but also set a new benchmark for the entire market.”
Notably, this partnership combines Ripple’s blockchain expertise in fast, low-cost cross-border payments with SBI Holdings’ deep ties to Japan’s financial sector and fintech innovation.
Therefore, by leveraging SBI’s experience in crypto exchanges, digital asset platforms, and blockchain research, the two aim to launch a stablecoin that rivals USDT and USDC while catering specifically to Japan’s unique market.
Industry experts suggest that RLUSD’s launch could bolster Ripple’s XRP adoption, enhancing credibility and adoption in regions with clear regulatory frameworks. The move underscores Japan’s rising influence in the global crypto market, where regulators are balancing innovation with consumer protection.
Whale-to-Exchange Flows Spike 7x in Five Days, Signaling Potential Sell-Off
Market analyst Steph Is Crypto sounded the alarm this week after on-chain trackers showed whale-to-exchange transfers for XRP spiking sevenfold in just five days, a move many traders read as fresh sell pressure.
The analyst shared the alert on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting the speed and scale of the inflows and asking whether investors should be worried.
On-chain data depict rising concern because whale inflows surged from 900 XRP to 6,293 XRP between August 16–21, 2025, a 7× jump as XRP continues to trade below the psychological price of $3.
Why does this matter? Well, large, rapid transfers from whale wallets to centralized exchanges often signal selling or position rebalancing, increasing market supply and potentially pressuring prices.
Analysts note that while not every inflow triggers a crash, persistent or concentrated flows near resistance levels heighten the risk of a correction. CryptoQuant and other experts warn that sudden whale-to-exchange movements are a key early warning indicator.
Therefore, traders should monitor rising exchange inflows, clusters of large sell orders, increasing short open interest, and coordinated whale-to-exchange transfers.
Crucially, on-chain signals must be interpreted alongside macro factors, market sentiment, regulatory news, and liquidity since whales often move funds for reasons beyond immediate selling.
On the other hand, XRP might be eyeing a bullish surge from $2.90 as consolidation intensifies.
Conclusion
The call about a 7x jump in whale-to-exchange flows is a legitimate warning light, not a guaranteed prophecy. It raises the probability of near-term selling pressure for XRP, and prudent market participants will monitor confirmations across order books and on-chain metrics before making decisions.
On the other hand, by entering the multi-billion-dollar stablecoin market with a compliant blockchain-based token, Ripple and SBI Holdings are positioning themselves at the forefront of digital finance. RLUSD could drive mainstream adoption in Japan and set a benchmark for regulated, reliable, and efficient stablecoin solutions globally.
Source: https://coinpaper.com/10662/ripple-and-sbi-target-300-b-stablecoin-boom-with-rlusd-launch-in-japan-with-xrp-not-out-of-the-woods-yet