Japan’s finance minister has publicly expressed support for blockchain-based securities settlement and the integration of stablecoins, which could boost the outlook for $XRP and Ripple USD ($RLUSD).
The development attracted attention after $XRP Crypto community figure Eri highlighted Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama’s remarks on X following a cabinet meeting press conference.
Key Points
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Japanese Finance Minister Supports Blockchain-Based Securities Settlement, Strengthening $XRP And $RLUSD perspectives.
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The FSA-led project connects securities settlement to stablecoins, making trading faster and more efficient.
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SBI Holdings’ blockchain efforts gain government support, highlighting $XRPthe role of in cross-border payments.
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$RLUSD The Japan launch (Q1 2026) aligns with policy amid a growing institutional backdrop for crypto.
Japan Supports Blockchain Settlement Initiative
During the Press conference of February 13, Katayama confirmed government support for a proposed blockchain-based regulation launched by the Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) in November 2025.
The project aims to track and manage international investment trust transfers on the blockchain and link securities settlement to stablecoin payments, making trading faster and more efficient.
Katayama described the effort as a positive cross-industry initiative aimed at modernizing Japan’s financial infrastructure. She stressed that no country has fully implemented such a system. At the same time, she underlined Japan’s intention to remain at the forefront of global financial innovation.
The role of the SBI in this push
Katayama also referred to SBI Holdings’ efforts to develop a similar blockchain-based settlement system. The minister confirmed that the government supported these efforts on legal and regulatory levels.
Such systems could allow Tokyo markets to process settlements faster and more efficiently using blockchain rails and stablecoins. For $XRP supporters, the involvement of the SBI is particularly significant.
Ripple and $RLUSD Expansion in Japan
SBI has a long-standing partnership with Ripple and has integrated $XRP in its cross-border money transfer services for years.
In August 2025, Ripple and SBI confirmed plans to launch $RLUSD in Japan, with distribution led by SBI VC Trade. The stablecoin is backed by US dollar deposits and short-term government bonds, with monthly third-party attestations.
$RLUSD is expected to enter service in Japan in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval. The Finance Minister’s public support for blockchain regulation and stablecoin usage could indirectly strengthen the environment for $RLUSD adoption.
Although Katayama did not mention Ripple or $XRP Specifically, the policy direction aligns with initiatives already underway between Ripple and SBI.
A broader institutional dynamic
SBI also has propose Crypto ETFs in Japan including $XRP and Bitcoin ETFs. If Japan successfully implements blockchain and stablecoins for securities settlement, it could boost demand for infrastructure assets and liquidity. $XRPas a gateway for cross-border payments, and $RLUSDas a regulated institutional stablecoin, could benefit from this change.
In essence, the Finance Ministry’s support represents another step toward regulatory acceptance of blockchain finance in one of Asia’s largest economies, a development that $XRP community opinions as a victory.