Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 06:06 pm
SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, has launched Japan’s first USDC stablecoin lending service, starting March 19, 2026. The service enables users to lend USDC and earn interest, offering an initial 12-week annualized rate of 10%, with standard returns expected around 5% thereafter. The announcement establishes SBI VC Trade as an industry leader in the country’s stablecoin space, leveraging blockchain technology and SBI Group’s financial network for lucrative crypto investment products.
USDC holders earn rewards through an opportunity to lend their USDC using the Morpho On-Chain Lending Protocol, accessible through the Coinbase application. Users may deposit their USDC into a vault and earn interest from their deposit by lending it through the Morpho protocol. Users may also access crypto-backed loans, enabling them to borrow USDC by using their crypto assets as collateral through Coinbase’s Loans feature.
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ライセンス業者として国内初※のステーブルコインを活用した
「USDCレンディング」開始のお知らせ
～当初募集は年率10％でご提供、通常時は年率5％程度予定～
＼… pic.twitter.com/f9MxkRS34i— SBI VC Trade (SBI VCトレード） (@sbivc_official) March 18, 2026
High returns and tax advantages for crypto users
The USDC Lending service delivers returns significantly higher than traditional USD bank deposits, which typically range from 0.01% to 4%. For smaller investments, earnings may even be non-taxable if they fall below the 20万円 threshold under Japanese tax rules.
Each user can participate with up to 5,000 USDC per campaign, earning interest automatically during the 12-week term without additional operational steps. The platform ensures full principal repayment plus interest in USDC at maturity, making the service attractive for both new and experienced crypto investors.
Secure, transparent, and easy to access
USDC is fully backed by USD reserves and audited monthly, ensuring transparency and reliability. SBI VC Trade leverages its licensed status as a cryptocurrency and electronic payment operator to manage lending risks while providing users with a compliant, regulated environment.
During the lending period, USDC cannot be withdrawn or transferred, protecting the stability of interest accrual. The initiative highlights SBI VC Trade’s mission to expand stablecoin adoption in Japan, offering a bridge between blockchain-based digital assets and traditional financial returns.
Notably, SBI VC Trade is set to introduce support for Circle’s USDC stablecoin, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets.
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