Following the implementation of the amended Payment Services Act1 in June 2023, Japan has established a clear regulatory pathway for the distribution of globally-issued, USD-backed stablecoins via licensed domestic intermediaries. As the global stablecoin market now exceeds $300 billion2, with USD stablecoins accounting for over 95% of total volume, Japanese and global financial institutions (FIs) are now commercially deploying USD stablecoins for institutional use.
For Japan to solidify its status as a global Web3 and tokenisation hub, the commercial integration is a strategic necessity for both leading domestic banks and global FIs.
This roundtable focuses on the commercial pathways for institutions looking to integrate USD stablecoins in an era of institutional-grade digital finance. We will explore the practical integration of USD stablecoins into the Japanese market, following the regulatory clarity provided for foreign-issued assets. The discussion will highlight how these tokens serve as digital-native liquid assets, offering Japanese financial institutions and corporations a more efficient tool for institutional use cases. By evaluating the tangible benefits - from reduced settlement risk to 24/7 liquidity - we will outline how FIs can better service a modern, tokenised economy.
The Digital Dollar in Japan: Unlocking Institutional Liquidity, Collateral, and Tokenised Trade through USD-backed Stablecoins
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Speakers
Director & Head, Financial Infrastructure & Artificial Intelligence Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore
