Circle is collaborating with Nomura Holdings to launch a corporate USDC payment settlement business in Japan

According to CoinDesk, stablecoin issuer Circle and Japanese financial giant Nomura Holdings have announced a partnership, with plans to launch corporate digital asset payment settlement services in Japan as early as 2027.

Under the cooperation agreement, Japanese companies can use the platform to exchange yen for USDC for scenarios such as cross-border supplier payments, fund transfers between overseas affiliates, and foreign exchange settlements. The average daily trading volume in Japan's foreign exchange market reaches up to $440 billion, while traditional bank wire transfers typically take 2 to 3 business days to settle, and blockchain solutions are expected to significantly shorten this time.

Previously, the Financial Services Agency of Japan approved the use of USDC among Japanese companies under updated payment regulations, making it the first globally recognized dollar stablecoin authorized to conduct corporate business locally. Circle will operate the related network through its local branch Circle Japan, which has previously collaborated with SBI Holdings to carry out USDC distribution business.