SBI Launches Japan's First Licensed USDC Lending Service with Annual Interest Rates Up to 10%

Gate News: On March 19, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings announced the launch of Japan’s first licensed USDC lending service for the public, allowing users to borrow USDC on the platform and earn fixed-term interest. The initial product has a 12-week term with an annual interest rate of up to 10%, significantly higher than Japan’s dollar time deposit rates. Under normal market conditions, the platform’s annual interest rate is about 5%, with a borrowing limit of 5,000 USDC per transaction.

SBI VC Trade has become a pioneer in the Japanese market with its regulated USDC lending service. The company has been operating USDC since March 2025, accumulating extensive market experience and operational capabilities. The lending product combines blockchain technology with SBI Group’s financial expertise to offer investors a stable and high-yield option.

Compared to traditional dollar time deposits, USDC lending not only offers higher interest rates but may also provide tax advantages. According to Japanese tax law, USDC earnings are considered miscellaneous income, tax-free below 200,000 yen, while foreign currency deposits typically incur a fixed withholding tax of 20.315%. Borrowers automatically earn returns during the loan period without additional actions, making it easy for first-time dollar investors to participate.

The standard lending period is 12 weeks, with customer returns calculated daily based on the annual interest rate. Borrowed USDC may be subleased by SBI VC Trade, which involves counterparty risk; funds are not segregated, and stability depends on the company’s operations. Customers cannot terminate the contract early but will receive the same amount of USDC at maturity, ensuring fixed returns. New tokens resulting from blockchain forks are not included in compensation.

SBI is also expanding the USDC ecosystem through partnerships with Circle Internet Financial and Startale, increasing the use of stablecoins in Japan. This USDC lending product not only complements SBI’s existing digital asset services but also provides Japanese investors with a regulated, high-yield, and easy-to-operate stablecoin market participation method, further promoting the development of USDC within Japan’s digital asset ecosystem.