SBI Commences Japan’s Premier Licensed Stablecoin Lending Scheme Delivering 10% Returns

TLDR

• SBI VC Trade is providing a 10% USDC lending service over a 12-week period for individual investors.
• In Japan, stablecoin lending is outperforming conventional USD deposit options.
• Modest USDC investments could benefit from tax-exempt returns if they are below ¥200,000.
• While fixed-term lending guarantees a high yield, it comes with restricted liquidity.
• SBI is broadening Japan’s USDC ecosystem through its regulated blockchain-based services.

(SeaPRwire) –   A subsidiary of SBI Holdings is set to introduce a USDC lending service in Japan on March 19, 2026. This service will enable users to lend USDC to the platform and receive fixed-term returns. The inaugural offering features a 12-week duration with an annual interest rate of 10%, which exceeds the rates typically found on US dollar deposits.

Under standard market conditions, the platform plans to maintain USDC lending offers at approximately 5% annually. This service is accessible to retail clients, with a lending limit of up to 5,000 USDC per offering. This product marks Japan’s inaugural licensed stablecoin lending service made available to the broader public.

With this launch, SBI VC Trade establishes itself as a frontrunner in regulated stablecoin services. The company has been managing USDC since March 2025, demonstrating its familiarity with the market and operational proficiency. This USDC lending product capitalizes on blockchain technology and the financial acumen of the SBI Group.

High Returns and Tax Advantages

USDC lending offers a superior annual interest rate when compared to conventional US dollar time deposits. Standard three-month foreign currency deposits typically yield between 0.01% and 4% annually, with preferential rates seldom reaching 5%. In stark contrast, USDC lending pledges more stable and attractive returns for clients in Japan.

For smaller sums, the lending product presents potential tax advantages. Under Japanese tax regulations, profits from USDC are categorized as miscellaneous income and can be exempt from tax if they are below 200,000 yen. This allows users to begin with modest investments without incurring the flat 20.315% withholding tax that applies to foreign currency deposits.

SBI highlights the service’s user-friendliness and straightforward operation. Lenders automatically accrue usage fees throughout the loan term, requiring no additional actions. The service enables individuals new to US dollar investments to engage with ease and efficiency.

Service Details and Operational Structure

Each offering of the USDC lending service features a standard 12-week term. Customers will be paid rental fees, which are calculated by multiplying the annual rate by the number of days in the loan period. Applications are processed in the order they are received, and each account is restricted to one offering.

USDC obtained via this service may be subleased by SBI VC Trade, thereby exposing users to counterparty risk. Funds are not kept separate, meaning the company’s financial stability directly impacts repayments. Clients are unable to end contracts prematurely, which restricts liquidity but guarantees fixed-term returns.

The platform will not provide compensation for any new coins generated from blockchain forks that occur during the loan period. Customers will receive the identical quantity and type of USDC at the conclusion of the term. This arrangement deviates from conventional bank deposits, underscoring the lender’s stability over market assurances.

SBI Expands USDC Ecosystem

SBI is persistently advancing its USDC strategy through strategic alliances and regulatory endorsements. The company has partnered with Circle Internet Financial and Startale to foster wider stablecoin adoption. SBI’s endeavors are designed to provide alternative investment opportunities denominated in US dollars within Japan.

This USDC lending product enhances SBI’s current portfolio of digital asset offerings. It presents a regulated, high-yield avenue for participation in the stablecoin market. The introduction of this service bolsters Japan’s digital asset ecosystem and encourages broader utilization of USDC.

This novel product sets a benchmark for licensed stablecoin lending. It integrates blockchain technology with established financial expertise to deliver secure, high-yield prospects. Users can confidently lend USDC and achieve competitive returns within a well-defined framework.