SBI $XDC Network APAC, SBI VC Trade, and South Korean credit card company Shinhan Card have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore blockchain-based payment and settlement infrastructure connecting digital assets with traditional financial systems.
The proposed collaboration will focus on developing solutions for global payments, examining the potential role of stablecoins in cross-border transactions, and evaluating how digital asset services could integrate with existing financial infrastructure. The agreement marks a step toward exploring blockchain applications in established payment networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
Companies to Explore Digital Asset Payment Services
Under the agreement, SBI $XDC Network APAC and Shinhan Card intend to work together to expand the $XDC Network ecosystem and investigate new payment services based on digital assets. SBI VC Trade, a cryptocurrency exchange, will participate in the broader initiative alongside the two companies.
The partnership aims to explore how blockchain technology and digital assets can support global payments and settlements while remaining connected to traditional financial infrastructure.
The companies will assess potential use cases for digital assets in payment systems, including whether blockchain-based transactions can provide practical alternatives or additions to existing payment processes. Their work will also examine the technical and operational requirements involved in connecting digital asset services with established financial networks.
The memorandum outlines an exploratory collaboration rather than a confirmed commercial launch. The companies have not provided a timeline for introducing a finished payment product, disclosed investment commitments, or announced specific transaction targets.
Stablecoins Considered for Cross-Border Transactions
Stablecoins are expected to be one of the central areas of investigation. The three companies plan to study how these digital assets could be used to facilitate cross-border payments and how related services might interact with existing financial systems.
Stablecoins are designed to maintain a relatively stable value by referencing assets such as national currencies. Their potential role in international payments has attracted interest from financial institutions because blockchain networks can support digital transfers across borders without relying exclusively on conventional payment infrastructure.
However, integrating stablecoins into established financial systems requires attention to transaction processing, technical compatibility, regulatory requirements, and the experience of customers using the services. The agreement indicates that the companies intend to examine possible approaches rather than confirming that a particular stablecoin or payment mechanism will be adopted.
The involvement of both a blockchain infrastructure provider and a crypto asset exchange could help the partners assess different parts of the digital asset payment process. Shinhan Card brings its position in South Korea’s credit card sector to the collaboration, providing a potential connection between blockchain-based services and conventional consumer payments.
Yen-Denominated Stablecoins and In-Store Payments
Another area of focus is the possible use of digital assets, including yen-denominated stablecoins, for payments at physical retail locations. The companies plan to test how such services might operate in practice.
The planned assessments will cover the customer experience, transaction procedures, and technical requirements for using digital assets in in-store payment scenarios.
These evaluations could help determine how digital asset payments might be incorporated into retail environments and what changes would be needed to support transactions. The work may also clarify how blockchain-based payment services could connect with systems already used by merchants and financial service providers.
The reference to yen-denominated stablecoins suggests that the partners are considering use cases involving digital representations of traditional currencies. However, the agreement does not establish that a specific yen-backed token has been selected, nor does it confirm that consumers will soon be able to pay at stores using such assets.
Implementation Details Remain Undisclosed
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation, research, and testing, but important details remain unclear. The companies have not announced launch dates, participating merchants, supported blockchain networks beyond the stated ecosystem focus, or the regulatory arrangements that would govern any eventual service.
The next stage will depend on whether the partners can demonstrate that digital asset payments can operate effectively alongside existing financial systems and meet practical user and technical requirements.
The collaboration reflects continued interest in examining blockchain technology for payment applications beyond cryptocurrency trading. Its eventual impact will depend on the results of the planned studies and tests, as well as the partners’ decisions on whether to move from exploration to commercial deployment.