Introduction
In a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency market in Japan, SBI VC Trade, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, will launch the nation’s first USDC lending service on March 19, 2026. Utilizing USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, customers will be able to lend their holdings in exchange for competitive lending fees.
Overview of USDC Lending
SBI VC Trade's new service allows customers to lend USDC to the company, earning rental fees as a return on their investment. To celebrate the launch, the service will initially offer an attractive 10% annual rate for a 12-week term, which will later typically settle at around 5%—a substantial increase over the standard rates for foreign currency deposits in Japanese banks.
Changing the Lending Landscape
This service positions SBI VC Trade uniquely in the market, leveraging its exclusive licensing for stablecoin distribution and trading in Japan. Since March 26, 2025, the company has facilitated transactions involving USDC, ensuring that customers can capitalize on the growing DeFi trend within a secure and legally compliant framework.
Features of USDC Lending
1. Attractive Interest Rates
Traditional banks typically offer foreign currency deposit rates between 0.01% to 4%, even during promotional periods. In contrast, the USDC lending program stands out with its stable, high annual rates of about 10% initially, and at least 5% at normal times. This presents a potent opportunity for customers seeking better returns on their currency holdings.
2. Tax Benefits for Small Amounts
Another added advantage is the potential tax benefits for small-scale investors. While interest earned on bank foreign currency deposits is subject to a flat withholding tax of 20.315%, returns from USDC lending will be classified as miscellaneous income, which can be tax-exempt under certain conditions, effectively making it easier for individuals new to dollar-denominated asset management to start investing.
3. Simple Operation
The lending process is straightforward. Customers only need to lend their USDC to start earning rental fees without any additional operational hassle during the lending period. This user-friendly approach is designed to attract newcomers to the cryptocurrency and decentralized finance space.
Service Details
- - Service Name: USDC Lending
- - Type of Deal: Consumption Loan Transaction
- - Initial Annual Rate: 10% for promotional period, 5% ordinarily
- - Loan Period: Typically set for 12 weeks
- - Max Application Limit per Offering: 5,000 USDC
- - Repayment: Includes original loan and rental fees in USDC
As per usual lending practices, there are no mid-term cancellations allowed, and customers must wait until the maturity date to retrieve their USDC. Moreover, should any new coins arise during the lending due to significant blockchain changes (hard forks), SBI VC Trade will not provide these as additional deposits.
Conclusion
With the launch of USDC lending, SBI VC Trade is not only enhancing its offerings in the cryptocurrency space but is also providing Japanese customers with an innovative and competitive avenue for dollar asset management. This initiative represents a blending of traditional finance principles and cutting-edge cryptocurrency applications, perfectly suited for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike. For more information about the lending service, visit
SBI VC Trade's official site.
About SBI VC Trade
As part of the larger SBI Group, which boasts a strong reputation in the financial sector, SBI VC Trade is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of cryptocurrency services. The company prioritizes customer-centric practices and aims to lead in cryptocurrency exchanges, asset management, and stablecoins like USDC.