SBI VC Trade Launches Japan's First Licensed USDC Lending Service

SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, announced it will launch its “USDC Lending” service on March 19th, 2026, marking a first for licensed operators in Japan. The service allows customers to lend USDC—a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar—to the exchange in return for usage fees.

The initiative features a commemorative 12-week maturity program with a 10% annual yield, while standard rates are expected to remain around 5%. Leveraging its status as the only domestic entity licensed for Electronic Payment Instruments, SBI VC Trade aims to provide a high-yield alternative to traditional foreign currency deposits.

The program limits individual applications to 5,000 USDC per session to align with tax and regulatory frameworks within the local jurisdiction. As part of the SBI Group’s “Customer-Centric” mission, the firm plans to expand its stablecoin ecosystem by introducing more frequent recruitment cycles to meet growing institutional and retail demand.

🧭 FAQs

• What is the initial promotional yield for the new USDC lending program? The service offers a 10% annual yield for the first 12-week maturity period.

• How is the income from USDC lending treated under Japanese tax law? Earnings are classified as miscellaneous income and subject to comprehensive taxation rather than separate withholding.

• What is the maximum application limit per user for a single session? Each account is restricted to a maximum application of 5,000 USDC per recruitment round.

• Who is the licensed operator launching this first-of-its-kind service in Japan? SBI VC Trade is the registered exchange providing the USDC lending platform to local customers.