• Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire expressed interest in partnerships in Japan given new rules governing stablecoins have come into effect.
• The revised Payment Services Act certifies stablecoins backed by legal tender as an “electronic payment method” and allows their issuance.
• Major Japanese financial institutions have been exploring stablecoins, with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation announcing its plans to issue its own stablecoin platform.
Circle Considers Issuing Stablecoin in Japan
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire expressed interest in partnerships in the country, given that new rules governing stablecoins have come into effect.
Japan’s Revised Payment Services Act
The revised Payment Services Act certifies stablecoins backed by legal tender as an “electronic payment method” and allows their issuance. Stablecoin issuers will have to abide by tough rules. Stablecoins must be pegged to the yen or other legal tender and guarantee holders the right to redeem them at face value. Only licensed financial institutions like licensed banks, registered money transfer agents and trust companies will be able to issue stablecoins.
Overseas Stablecoin Ban Lifted
Japan’s Financial Services Agency moved to lift a ban on overseas stablecoins in December last year.
Circle Obtains Major Payment Institution (MPI) License
Circle recently obtained a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license in Singapore, which allows it to offer digital payment token services, cross-border money transfer services and domestic money transfer services in the city-state.
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Announces Plans for Own Stablecoin Platform
Major Japanese financial institutions have been exploring stablecoins, with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation announcing its plans to issue its own stablecoin platform, called Progmat.