#Japan #Tokyo #DeFi #JPYC #Secured Finance

Introduction

Secured Finance AG, a prominent player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space based in Zug, Switzerland, has recently announced the launch of several innovative products that utilize the Japan Yen stablecoin, JPYC. This initiative aims to replicate the interest rate structure of the Japanese yen market on-chain, enabling global investors to have access to Japanese yen interest rates via a decentralized infrastructure. With the official launch of JPYC scheduled for late October 2025, Secured Finance is setting the stage for a transformative era in financial transactions and investments in Japan.

Major Initiatives

1. Fixed Rate Lending with JPYC

One of the standout features of this new product suite is the introduction of a fixed-rate lending market denominated in JPYC. In this system, lenders can enjoy stable yields while borrowers benefit from predictable interest costs, thereby establishing the foundation for an on-chain Japanese yen interest rate curve. Initial trading sessions are set to commence on November 3, 2025, with the first set of maturities scheduled for December 26, 2025, and March 27, 2026. As demand grows, additional markets will be introduced quarterly.

2. JPYC Borrowing Secured by WBTC/ETH

The platform will initially allow for loans in JPYC, secured by Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Future plans involve expanding collateral options to include Real World Assets (RWAs) and yield-bearing assets, thereby bridging the gap between decentralized finance and traditional financial markets.

3. Integration with Yearn Finance for JPYC Vaults

In collaboration with Yearn Finance, Secured Finance is in the process of developing a JPYC Vault compatible with version 3. This vault aims to support automated market-making on fixed-rate order books and implement delta-neutral strategies through decentralized algorithmic management, all executed non-custodially and transparently on-chain, allowing users to optimize yields seamlessly while keeping their assets deposited.

4. Creating an On-chain Yen Interest Rate Benchmark

As the JPYC lending market matures, Secured Finance plans to develop and publish benchmarks for Japanese yen interest rates on-chain. This initiative aims to visualize interest rates based on market realities, enhancing the stability and transparency of on-chain finance involving Japanese yen stablecoins like JPYC. Although liquidity may initially be limited, the interest rate data formed in the public market is anticipated to hold substantial public value.

5. JPYC and the x402 Facilitator

Secured Finance aims to facilitate seamless on-chain payments using the JPYC stablecoin via the x402 protocol, proposed by Coinbase. This innovative framework redefines the HTTP response “402 Payment Required” and allows direct stablecoin payments on web services without the burden of complex payment systems or high fees. This capability would enable various online platforms and AI agents to conduct secure and immediate JPYC transactions.

The report from a16z titled ‘State of Crypto 2025’ suggests that autonomous agent payment markets could reach a size of $30 trillion by 2030, highlighting the potential of this technology to transform both Web2/Web3 e-commerce as well as the machine economy.

Leadership Insights

Masa “Senshi” Kikuchi, the Founder and CEO of Secured Finance AG, shares his vision: “The Japanese yen is more than just a domestic currency; it serves as a global interest rate benchmark. By leveraging the JPYC ecosystem, we are creating new infrastructure that links the Japanese yen interest curve on-chain with real-world financial markets and DeFi.”

About Secured Finance AG

Secured Finance AG is a pioneering DeFi protocol development company situated in Zug, Switzerland. The company focuses on establishing fixed-rate lending markets and a Filecoin-backed stablecoin named USDFC across multiple chains, including Ethereum and Arbitrum, with the goal of building the safest and most transparent interest rate layer in the industry.