TLDR
- SBI VC Trade offers 10% USDC lending for 12 weeks to retail investors.
- Stablecoin lending surpasses traditional USD deposits in Japan.
- Small USDC investments may enjoy tax-free returns under ¥200,000.
- Fixed-term lending ensures high yield but limited liquidity.
- SBI expands Japan’s USDC ecosystem with regulated blockchain services.
SBI Holdings’ subsidiary will launch a USDC lending service in Japan on March 19, 2026. The service allows users to lend USDC to the platform and earn fixed-term returns. The initial offering offers a 12-week term with a 10% annual interest rate, higher than typical US dollar deposits.
The platform will continue offering USDC lending at around 5% annually under normal market conditions. The service is available to retail customers who can lend up to 5,000 USDC per offering. The product represents Japan’s first licensed stablecoin lending service for the general public.
This launch positions SBI VC Trade as a pioneer in regulated stablecoin services. The company has already handled USDC since March 2025, ensuring market familiarity and operational experience. This USDC lending product leverages blockchain technology and the SBI Group’s financial expertise.
High Returns and Tax Advantages
USDC lending provides higher annual interest compared to traditional US dollar time deposits. Typical three-month foreign currency deposits offer 0.01% to 4% per year, with rare preferential rates up to 5%. By contrast, USDC lending promises more consistent and competitive returns for Japanese customers.
The lending product offers potential tax benefits for small amounts. USDC profits are considered miscellaneous income under Japanese tax law and can remain tax-free under 200,000 yen. Users can start with small investments without facing the flat 20.315% withholding tax applied to foreign currency deposits.
SBI emphasizes ease of use and operational simplicity. Lenders earn usage fees automatically during the loan term without performing extra steps. The service allows first-time US dollar investors to participate easily and efficiently.
Service Details and Operational Structure
The USDC lending service has a 12-week standard term for each offering. Customers receive rental fees calculated based on the annual rate multiplied by the loan period in days. Applications are approved sequentially, with each account limited to a single offering.
USDC borrowed through the service can be subleased by SBI VC Trade, exposing users to counterparty risk. Funds are not segregated, so company stability affects repayments directly. Customers cannot terminate contracts early, which limits liquidity but secures fixed-term returns.
The platform will not compensate for new coins created through blockchain forks during the loan period. Customers receive the same quantity and type of USDC at the end of the term. This structure differs from traditional bank deposits, emphasizing stability of the lender rather than market guarantees.
SBI Expands USDC Ecosystem
SBI continues to expand its USDC strategy through partnerships and regulatory approvals. The company has collaborated with Circle Internet Financial and Startale to broaden stablecoin adoption. SBI’s initiatives aim to offer alternative US dollar-denominated investment options within Japan.
The USDC lending product complements SBI’s existing digital asset offerings. It provides a regulated, high-return method to engage with the stablecoin market. The launch strengthens Japan’s digital asset ecosystem and promotes wider use of USDC.
This new product establishes a precedent for licensed stablecoin lending. It combines blockchain technology with traditional financial expertise to offer secure, high-yield opportunities. Users can lend USDC confidently while earning competitive returns within a structured framework.
