- SBI plans to offer a 3% annual yield on JPYSC stablecoins for users who lock their holdings for three months.
- The lending product follows the launch of Japan’s first trust bank-backed yen stablecoin under the JPYSC framework.
- SBI continues expanding its digital asset business through investments, acquisitions, and blockchain finance initiatives.
SBI Holdings is preparing to expand its digital asset business with a lending service offering a 3% annual yield on JPYSC stablecoins, according to Nikkei. The reported product could launch through SBI VC Trade as early as this month, allowing users to lock their holdings for three months while earning a fixed return, weeks after the financial group introduced Japan’s first trust bank-backed yen stablecoin.
JPYSC Lending Product Builds on Stablecoin Launch
According to Nikkei, the planned lending service would require customers to hold JPYSC for three months. In return, participants would receive a fixed annual yield of 3%. The reported product follows the recent launch of JPYSC by SBI Shinsei Trust Bank.
The stablecoin operates under Japan’s trust bank framework and maintains a one-to-one backing with the Japanese yen. SBI Holdings and Startale Group first announced JPYSC in February. Notably, the stablecoin falls under Japan’s Type III electronic payment instrument framework.
SBI previously said JPYSC was designed to reduce transaction costs and support large-value transfers. The company also said the stablecoin serves both retail and institutional users through SBI VC Trade.
SBI Continues Broader Digital Asset Expansion
Meanwhile, SBI has continued investing across the digital asset industry. Recently, it became the sole investor in Gauntlet’s $125 million Series C funding round.
The company also backed EDX Markets with a $76 million investment. In addition, SBI completed its acquisition of Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank for about $289 million.
Earlier this year, SBI also acquired a controlling stake in Singapore-based Coinhako. Furthermore, it invested in Digital Asset, Morpho, and Circle’s Arc blockchain token presale.
According to company officials, those investments support SBI’s goal of building an end-to-end onchain finance ecosystem covering payments, exchanges, tokenization, custody, and digital asset management.
Japan’s Stablecoin Market Continues To Grow
At the same time, stablecoin adoption continues expanding across Japan. According to a separate Nikkei report, convenience store operator Lawson has started testing JPYC payments at one store.
Japan’s three largest banking groups, MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho, also announced plans to begin commercial transactions using a jointly issued stablecoin during fiscal year 2026.
Meanwhile, analysts said Japan’s growing cryptocurrency regulations could encourage additional digital asset investment. Proposed reforms would classify crypto assets as financial instruments, support exchange-traded funds, and reduce capital gains tax from 55% to 20%.
