JCB signs Circle MOU to test stablecoin payments in Japan

Written by Nate Kostarstaff writerReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editorWritten by Nate Kostarstaff writerReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editorJCB signs Circle MOU to test stablecoin payments in JapanLatest NewsPublishedJul 14, 2026The companies will explore using USDC for JCB’s cross-border treasury operations and merchant payments in Japan as regulated stablecoin adoption gains momentum. Japan’s largest domestic payment network, JCB, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Circle to explore using USDC for cross-border payments and merchant transactions.Under the memorandum, the companies will initially explore using USDC for JCB’s internal cross-border fund transfers through a proof of concept, while also evaluating stablecoin payments at merchants in Japan for international visitors. The companies said they will also assess technologies that support interoperability across multiple blockchain networks.The agreement builds on a separate initiative JCB launched in January with Digital Garage and Resona Holdings to test stablecoin payments at physical stores in Japan. That project focuses on identifying technical and operational challenges to bringing stablecoin payments to domestic merchants.Beyond the initial proof of concept, JCB and Circle said they will evaluate additional applications for stablecoin infrastructure aimed at cross-border payments and merchant services, though they did not provide a timeline for commercial deployment.USDC is the world’s second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization, with a circulating supply of about $73 billion, behind Tether’s USDT at roughly $184 billion, according to DefiLlama data.Source: DefiLlamaRelated: USDC issuer Circle wins final approval for US national trust bank charterJapan accelerates stablecoin payment adoptionThe agreement adds to a growing number of stablecoin payment initiatives announced in Japan this year, as companies test blockchain-based payment and settlement systems across retail and corporat…

JCB signs Circle MOU to test stablecoin payments in Japan

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