Japanese financial powerhouse SBI Holdings, along with its banking subsidiary SBI Shinsei Bank, has invested a combined $50 million in Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, following Circle’s U.S. IPO.
Each entity contributed $25 million, signaling strong institutional confidence in Circle’s business model and the future of regulated stablecoins.
SBI, Circle Strengthen Ties with $50M Investment and Japan Joint Venture
The investment deepens the strategic relationship between the two companies, which began in March 2025 when SBI and Circle established a joint venture called Circle SBI Japan KK.
The joint venture, formed under a comprehensive business partnership agreement, aims to drive the adoption of USDC and blockchain-based financial infrastructure in Japan.
It represents a significant step toward integrating stablecoin technology within Japan’s traditionally conservative financial sector, which is now showing increased openness to digital asset innovation.
SBI-Circle Investment Aims to Boost USDC Use in Remittances, Web3, and Digital Payments
The investment seeks to promote the use of USDC in remittances, Web3 applications, and broader digital payments, leveraging Circle’s global stablecoin ecosystem and SBI’s robust domestic financial network.
By combining Circle’s blockchain expertise with SBI’s regional influence, the investment could help shape a compliant and scalable stablecoin framework in Asia.
The $50 million investment post-IPO not only reflects SBI’s strategic commitment to fintech innovation but also aligns with Japan’s broader policy shift toward embracing Web3 technologies.
With the Japanese government actively promoting Web3 and digital currency experimentation, SBI and Circle’s deepening alliance may play a key role in mainstreaming regulated digital dollars across Japan and other parts of Asia.
Circle IPO Marks First U.S. Listing of Major Stablecoin Issuer
Circle’s IPO is a major milestone because it marks the first public debut of a major stablecoin issuer in the U.S. financial markets.
Circle’s public listing, as the issuer of USDC—the world’s second-largest stablecoin—marks a significant step toward mainstream acceptance of regulated digital assets.
It brings increased transparency, regulatory oversight, and investor confidence to the stablecoin space, which has long faced scrutiny over reserves and accountability.
The IPO also opens up new capital avenues for Circle to expand globally, enhance compliance, and further integrate with traditional finance.
At a time when governments are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and crypto regulation is evolving, Circle’s listing underscores the convergence of crypto innovation and institutional finance.
Also Read: Circle Internet raises $1.05B in upsized IPO at $31 per share, oversubscribed 25 times