Japanese banks to trial stablecoin payment system
Three Japanese banks are set to develop a payment system that integrates their stablecoins on a public blockchain while satisfying legal requirements.
Shortly after Japan overturned a ban on fiat-pegged cryptocurrencies, Tokyo Kiraboshi Financial Group, The Shikoku Bank, and Minna no Bank are launching a stablecoin experiment. This initiative is powered by Web3 infrastructure provider GU Technologies, which develops a public blockchain that’s fully compatible with Ethereum, dubbed ‘Japan Open Chain’.
“In the future, we will implement a stablecoin system that meets legal requirements and promote efforts to popularize stablecoins such as business-to-business remittances and general consumer use through demonstration experiments involving local governments and private companies,” the statement reads.
The press release also cites a few use cases and benefits, including general consumer use and business-to-business remittances. It also explains that each of the involved banks aims to issue and remit its own stablecoin that can be used in Ethereum wallets such as MetaMask while complying with Japan’s new fund settlement laws.
“Tokyo Kiraboshi Financial Group, Minna no Bank, and The Shikoku Bank will participate in this demonstration experiment, and stablecoin-type electronic money will be issued and remitted on Japan Open Chain through the stablecoin issuance and management system developed by the Company,” they added.
Earlier in January, Japan’s financial regulator was seeking feedback on allowing domestic distributors to handle stablecoins issued outside the country on the condition that they maintain sufficient collateral.
The new regulations will be part of the revised Payment Services Act which will come into effect this year. If approved, it would allow Japanese exchanges to list and trade popular stablecoins like Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC).
The legal revision primarily introduces a registration system for stablecoins circulation and reinforces anti-money laundering measures. Additionally, it enables overseas businesses to issue stablecoins in the country through custodians of digital assets.
Japan’s parliament passed a bill in June 2022 to regulate crypto tokens whose value is pegged to that of the yen, dollar, or other currencies. The new law is aimed at curbing the financial system risks of stablecoins and strengthening protections for investors.
Under the new law, stablecoins can be issued by licensed banks, registered money transfer agents and trust companies. Stablecoin licenses are expected to be issued only to highly credible businesses in charge of issuing and managing them, as well as intermediaries responsible for circulation.
The Japanese watchdog has repeatedly voiced doubts surrounding the anti-money laundering measures. As a result, none of the 31 Japanese crypto exchanges registered with the FSA list any stablecoins.
