Okay, so picture this: SBI Group, they’re like the cool kid on the block, testing out a new cashless payment thingy in Japan using USDC, right? Yeah, the stablecoin from Circle. Because, let’s be honest, who needs cash anymore? (Obviously not us). The big “spring 2026” happening, focusing on QR codes in stores. Because nothing screams modern like scanning a barcode for tacos.
They’re teaming up with SBI VC Trade-Japan’s only stablecoin outfitter-plus APLUS, who’s basically the Pope of retail payments. The plan? Customers whip out their USDC wallets (MetaMask, anyone?) and scan the store’s QR code. The USDC then magically turns into yen. It’s like digital alchemy! 🌟
SBI’s been around the block with digital wallets, testing them at the Osaka-Kansai Expo or whatever. Perfect for tourists who want to pay with dollar digital currency instead of boring old cash. Genius, right?
Why Not Ripple’s RLUSD? Are They Sabotaging Ripple? 🤨
Here’s the kicker-SBI has a long history with Ripple. Ripple, Ripple, Ripple. Yet, they’re using USDC instead of RLUSD in this test. Like, really? Are they playing hard to get? Or maybe USDC just showed up with a better haircut. 😎
Bill Morgan, the lawyer who loves XRP (or loves to talk about it), says, “Hey, it’s probably just bad timing.” When SBI VC Trade got licensed in March 2025, RLUSD wasn’t ready yet-like that one friend who’s always “getting ready” for a dance but never shows up. Meanwhile, SBI already had a thing with Circle. Classic.
A new payment system using USDC instead of RLUSD. Because, surprise, RLUSD wasn’t quite ready in 2025 when SBI made moves. Looks like Ripple’s stablecoin was still in the sandbox while USDC was outside playing with friends. 🙄
– bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) December 25, 2025
Morgan also mentions RLUSD might catch up someday, maybe after Ripple stops fighting the SEC or whatever. Meanwhile, Ripple’s got its own dollar stablecoin plan, which maybe was held up by lawyers, lawsuits, and Netflix series about legal battles. 🎬
What’s Next? More Stores? Bigger Bubble?
If this whole thing doesn’t flop, SBI and APLUS are thinking big-more stores, more stablecoins, more confusion for the consumers. Japan, get ready for your digital wallet overload. Yay! 🎉
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2025-12-26 09:22