Core Insights - Metaplanet, a major corporate Bitcoin holder with 35,102 BTC, is expanding its operations by launching two new subsidiaries [1][3] - The subsidiaries include Metaplanet Ventures K.K., a venture fund, and Metaplanet Asset Management, a Bitcoin capital markets platform [3][7] Metaplanet Ventures K.K. - The venture fund plans to invest ¥4 billion (approximately $25 million) into startups focused on Bitcoin-related financial infrastructure in Japan [4] - Targeted segments for investment include lending, payments, custody, stablecoins, derivatives, and compliance technology [4] - The first planned investment is up to ¥400 million into JPYC, Japan's licensed yen stablecoin issuer, coinciding with recent developments in the Japanese crypto ecosystem [5] Metaplanet Asset Management - This subsidiary will focus on building digital credit and Bitcoin capital markets products, including yield strategies, equity and credit exposures, and volatility/derivatives instruments [8] - The platform aims to bridge capital flows between Asian and Western markets, addressing fragmentation in global cryptocurrency trading [8] Additional Initiatives - Metaplanet Ventures will also launch an incubator program for early-stage Japanese founders and establish a grants initiative to support open-source Bitcoin developers, educators, and researchers [7]

Metaplanet launches $25M venture arm to fund Bitcoin startups in Japan# Metaplanet launches $25M venture arm to fund Bitcoin startups in JapanCryptoAuthorDiya PoddarMar 12, 2026, 07:04 AM- Metaplanet targets 210,000 BTC holdings by 2027.- Firm expects Bitcoin to be regulated financial asset by 2028.- Metaplanet launches $25 million venture arm to fund Bitcoin startups.Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has launched a new venture initiative aimed at supporting the development of Bitcoin infrastructure and s ...

Core Viewpoint - Sony Bank is preparing to launch a project that allows customers to use traditional bank deposits for instant purchases of yen-denominated stablecoins, aiming to streamline the transition from yen deposits to digital currency holdings [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The initiative is developed in partnership with JPYC, enabling customers to convert yen deposits into JPY-pegged stablecoins in real time without needing to use external crypto exchanges or wallets [2][3]. - The proposal links Sony Bank's existing deposit systems with on-chain stablecoin issuance, allowing clients to move between yen holdings and JPYC directly [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Context - This initiative reflects a broader trend among financial institutions in Asia to explore digital asset utility beyond trading, indicating a shift in the banking sector's approach to digital currencies [5][7]. - The partnership with JPYC enhances the initiative by ensuring strict oversight of reserve backing, anti-money-laundering controls, and transactional transparency [6][8]. Group 3: Market Implications - Analysts suggest that the familiarity of Japanese consumers with digital money may facilitate stablecoin adoption through trusted banking brands, potentially reducing reliance on third-party exchanges [8]. - The success of Sony Bank's proposal could serve as a model for traditional banking systems to incorporate digital currencies while maintaining regulatory control and operational oversight [9][10].

The stablecoin story is usually told in dollars.But Asia doesn't run on dollars.The most interesting activity right now is in local currencies, built on rails that makes domestic settlement cheaper + faster than anything legacy rails offered.Take Japan’s JPYC for example 🇯🇵 ...

$JPYC lending markets are live on @Morpho, in collaboration with @SteakhouseFi and @PAOTECHLabsexclusively on Polygon.PAO TECH Labs (@PAOTECHLabs):We're thrilled to announce that $JPYC Lending Markets are now LIVE on @Morpho🚀Introducing Japanese-yen-denominated lending in collaboration with @SteakhouseFi and PAO TECH Labs.The markets are live exclusive on @0xPolygon — the chain with the largest JPYC supply 🪙 https://t.co/hJNA4HmpFr ...

Circle launched StableFX, an initiative to transform the $10 trillion daily foreign exchange (FX) market by enabling 24/7 on-chain currency conversion using stablecoins. The platform, unveiled in November 2025 on Circle’s Arc blockchain, promises to eliminate long-standing FX bottlenecks, such as prefunding requirements, delayed settlement, and fragmented trading venues. Circle Launches StableFX to Modernize Global FX Circle’s StableFX allows institutions to trade stablecoin pairs like USDC/EURC via Req ...

Core Viewpoint - Japan's government is actively supporting the integration of cryptocurrency trading into regulated stock and commodity exchanges, aiming for a structured approach to digital assets in 2026, termed as Japan's "digital year" [1][2]. Group 1: Government Support and Strategy - The government emphasizes that digital assets should be traded within existing regulatory frameworks to ensure investor protection and oversight [2]. - Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama highlighted that traditional exchanges are preferred for public access to digital assets, as they are viewed as more trustworthy compared to standalone crypto platforms [3]. - The government is closely monitoring international markets, noting that crypto-linked exchange products are already trading on major venues in the United States [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) proposed shifting crypto oversight from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, aligning it with the regulation of stocks and funds [5]. - This regulatory shift would classify major cryptocurrencies as financial products, introducing stricter disclosure requirements and enforcement measures [5]. - Enforcement actions have intensified, with authorities requesting the removal of apps linked to unregistered overseas exchanges, making local approval essential for access to Japanese users [6]. Group 3: Taxation and Stablecoins - The government is considering a tax policy change to lower the crypto gains tax from a progressive rate of up to 55% to a flat rate of 20%, aligning it with the taxation of stocks and funds [6]. - Stablecoins, such as the yen-backed JPYC, are part of the broader strategy to integrate digital assets into the banking system, rather than creating a separate crypto economy [7].

ICYMI:🇯🇵👥 MAUs for @jpyc_official are going vertical.A chart to follow 👇 https://t.co/CakfQRg23G ...

🇯🇵⛓️ ICYMI: The JPYC supply is growing the fastest on @0xPolygon.The present is multichain & multicurrency. https://t.co/dsDThHU7D3 ...

Core Insights - Startale Group has launched Startale USD (USDSC), an institutional-grade dollar stablecoin, as the default settlement currency for the Soneium network, which is an Ethereum layer-2 platform [1][2] - The launch of USDSC is accompanied by a rewards program called STAR Points, incentivizing transactions through the Startale App [1][3] - The global stablecoin market is valued at over $310 billion, with predictions indicating an 88% chance that total capitalization will not exceed $360 billion before February [5] Company Developments - Startale Group's USDSC aims to provide a stable and trusted currency for users and creators on the Soneium platform, facilitating payments and yield opportunities [2] - The underlying infrastructure for USDSC is provided by the universal stablecoin platform M0, which integrates issuance, application logic, and liquidity [2] - The Startale App is currently open for a waitlist, allowing early access to USDSC features and STAR Points [3] Industry Trends - Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has approved several stablecoin initiatives, including a dollar-pegged stablecoin by Circle and a yen-stablecoin pilot by major banks, indicating a growing regulatory acceptance of stablecoins in the region [4] - The stablecoin market is experiencing momentum, with various projects and partnerships emerging to enhance the infrastructure and usability of stablecoins [4]