Coinbase goes live in Japan in partnership with banking giant MUFG

Coinbase, the top crypto exchange in the U.S. has announced its official launch in Japan in partnership with banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).

The firm led by CEO Brian Armstrong announced on Aug. 19 that it will first launch retail trading products including “a suite of five top assets based on trading volume,” with more assets and products to be listed in the coming months.

“We also plan to introduce more localized versions of globally popular services such as advanced trading, Coinbase for Institutions, and more in the future,”

The partnership with Tokyo-based MUFG will see the bank provide a fast fiat on-and-off ramp for Coinbase customers in Japan called MUFG Quick Deposit.

“In line with our global strategy, we will aim to be the easiest to use and most trusted exchange in Japan that’s fully compliant with local regulations.” the announcement read.

Related: Japan to reportedly take action to scrutinize crypto globally

Coinbase has had its eye on the Japanese market for a while now, with Cointelegraph reporting in October 2019 that the firm was seeking licensing approval from Japan’s financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

In March 2020 the firm also registered as a crypto exchange with FSA-approved and official self-regulatory organization the Japan Virtual Currency Exchange Association (JVCEA).

Cointelegraph reported earlier today that Coinbase has hoarded a cash-based war chest worth around $4 billion to prepare for decreased retail trading in case of a possible “crypto-winter”, along with increased costs brought on by future regulatory compliance hurdles.

BIG NEWS!We’re excited to be launching Coinbase in Japan, one of the first countries to embrace crypto and one of the largest markets by crypto trading volume in the world.Details here https://t.co/ZhsYiE3L2a

— Coinbase (@coinbase) August 19, 2021