Japanese financial conglomerate SBI Group is set to launch a lending service offering a 3% annual yield on JPYSC stablecoins as early as this month, according to a report by Nikkei published Monday. The service will be available through SBI VC Trade, the group's cryptocurrency trading platform, and will initially offer a three-month fixed-term product.
The move follows closely on the heels of SBI’s recent launch of JPYSC, Japan’s first trust bank-backed yen-denominated stablecoin. At the time of its release, SBI stated that JPYSC aims to attract both retail and corporate users by enabling lower transaction costs and supporting block trades.
JPYSC forms a cornerstone of SBI Group’s broader strategy to expand into onchain finance. This initiative is supported by a series of strategic crypto-related investments and acquisitions. Last week alone, SBI became the sole investor in Gauntlet’s $125 million Series C funding round and also led a $76 million Series C investment in institutional crypto platform EDX Markets. Earlier in June, the firm acquired Japanese crypto exchange Bitbank for approximately $289 million.
"In the onchain space, our goal is to provide a comprehensive range of functions — from exchanges to asset tokenization to market platforms. Our recent acquisitions, investments, and partnerships are all part of this group-wide strategy," an SBI spokesperson told The Block.
Stablecoins are gaining significant traction in Japan, with both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native firms ramping up activity. In a separate Nikkei report Monday, Lawson, Japan’s third-largest convenience store chain, announced a trial using JPYC — the country’s first legally recognized yen-backed stablecoin — for in-store payments.
Additionally, Japan’s three megabanks — MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho — revealed plans last month to begin live commercial transactions using a jointly issued stablecoin during fiscal year 2026.
The Block has reached out to SBI for further comment on its JPYSC lending plans.
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