JCB has signed a MoU with Circle to explore the use of stablecoins across its global merchant network.
The Japanese payments company will test how Circle’s blockchain infrastructure could improve cross-border settlements through a proof of concept.
Initial efforts will focus on cross-border treasury operations using USDC.
A proof of concept for JCB’s internal fund transfers will evaluate opportunities to improve payment efficiency, reduce remittance costs, and support broader cross-border payment flows.
Beyond treasury operations, the companies will explore stablecoin payment experiences at physical retail locations in Japan.
The initiative targets local merchants and international visitors while assessing technologies that support interoperability and seamless payments across multiple blockchain networks.
This collaboration builds on JCB’s existing stablecoin initiatives in its home market.
Since January 2026, the company has been working with Digital Garage and Resona Holdings to test stablecoin acceptance at physical stores and address technical barriers for merchants.
JCB and Circle will evaluate Circle’s stablecoin infrastructure, including USDC, EURC, Gateway, and Arc, to support broader stablecoin adoption in Japan and overseas.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by pikisuperstar via Magnific