Citi launched its Citi Token Services platform in Japan on September 28, 2026, extending 24/7 tokenized deposit capabilities to corporate and institutional clients across Asia. The service uses a private permissioned blockchain to represent bank deposits digitally, removing traditional time-zone and holiday restrictions on USD transfers and collateral movements.
Platform Features and Current Reach
The system processes roughly one billion dollars in tokenized deposits each day as part of Citi’s broader daily funds movement. Clients access the service through existing CitiDirect or API connections and do not need separate wallets. Transactions settle near-instantly and can be programmed for automated payments or liquidity sweeps.
Japan joins six other live markets: the United States, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The Japan rollout focuses on USD flows that connect directly to hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Corporate treasurers gain continuous access to working capital without waiting for correspondent-bank cut-off windows.
Kanika Thakur, Head of Services for Japan, Asia North and Australia, noted that the expansion lets Japanese firms move capital in and out of the country in real time. Stephen Randall, Global Head of Liquidity Management Services, described the step as a milestone toward an always-on financial ecosystem.
Background and Client Use Cases
Citi Token Services began commercial pilots in 2024 with a Singapore-to-New York corridor and added 24/7 USD clearing integration in 2025. Japan ranks among Citi’s top five global markets by cross-border volume, making the addition a natural extension of the existing Asia network already running in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Treasury teams use the platform for same-day collateral transfers, automated supplier payments, and intraday liquidity optimization. Because the underlying deposits remain on Citi’s balance sheet, clients retain standard regulatory protections while gaining blockchain settlement speed. The service operates alongside conventional payment rails rather than replacing them.
Volume has grown steadily since the initial pilots, with daily tokenized activity now measured in billions of dollars across supported currencies. The permissioned architecture limits participation to verified institutional accounts, addressing security and compliance requirements common among corporate users.
Next Steps for Corporate Treasurers
Citi plans additional currency support and geographic reach, along with greater interoperability testing that includes Swift ledger pilots. Corporate clients in Japan and other Asian markets can begin testing the service immediately through their existing relationship managers.
Teams evaluating real-time treasury solutions should review current cut-off times and holiday calendars against the new 24/7 window. Integration with existing ERP systems via API remains the fastest path for most organizations already banking with Citi in the region.
Frequently asked questions
When did Citi Token Services become available in Japan?
The platform went live in Japan on September 28, 2026, adding the market to six existing locations and enabling 24/7 USD transfers for corporate accounts.
How do corporate clients access Citi’s tokenized deposits?
Clients use their existing CitiDirect portal or API connections. No separate digital wallet is required, and deposits remain on Citi’s balance sheet.
Which currencies and markets are supported right now?
The service covers USD flows across seven markets: the US, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, Japan, and the UAE, with direct connections between those hubs.
What volume does the platform handle daily?
Tokenized deposits average about one billion dollars per day, forming part of Citi’s overall daily movement of roughly six trillion dollars.
By YasTech Editorial
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