Tokyo-based FinTech firm Digital Wallet Group (DWG) has launched its flagship remittance platform, Smiles Mobile Remittance, in the United States. The move marks a significant North American expansion for the company as it targets the country's estimated 51.9 million migrant population. Smiles, which launched in 2017
Hokuriku Bank, a subsidiary of Hokuhoku Financial Group, and digital infrastructure firm DeCurret DCP have signed a basic agreement to commercialize a digital currency settlement platform powered by DeCurret’s "DCJPY Network," with an official target to launch commercial services within fiscal year 2027. The initiative centers on
Welcome to the one hundred sixty-eighth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. This week, we are excited to have new subscribers join us from BlackRock, DZ BANK AG, the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and Rakuten, among others 🙏 The Bank of Japan concluded its June Monetary Policy
FUNDINNO reported earnings for the second quarter of its fiscal year ending October 2026, covering its key performance indicators, specifically highlighting the growth in gross merchandise value (GMV) and the expanding number of registered professional investors across its primary and secondary equity platforms. However, due to a challenging startup investment
The recently held Market Restructuring Council discussed the findings of a 2026 survey conducted by the Tokyo Stock Exchange to identify the primary hurdles facing companies in the Growth Market. Data gathered from 145 organizations reveals that while business strategy and resource shortages are significant concerns, the most pressing issues
Carbontribe Labs, a Japanese-founded and Estonia-based environmental data and API platform provider, has partnered with Japanese utility major J-POWER (Electric Power Development) to validate a new data infrastructure aimed at elevating natural capital data to institutional investor standards. The joint initiative leverages artificial intelligence and blockchain technology
Hokan Group, a holding company specializing in insurance technology and solutions, has established a new Discover & Research (D&R) and generative research institution, "hal (hokan advanced lab)". The Tokyo-based company operates a portfolio of subsidiaries, including "hokan," a provider of cloud-based CRM
In a major cross-border play to anchor the next generation of artificial intelligence, a consortium of global technology and financial leaders announced the creation of the IOWN AI Fund. Backed by telecom and technology heavyweights including NTT, SK Group, and Chunghwa Telecom, alongside the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ)
Telecommunications giant KDDI Corporation (9433.T) has resolved to commence preparations for listing its consolidated financial subsidiary, au Financial Holdings (auFH), on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The decision marks a significant milestone for the KDDI Group, which first entered the digital banking sector in 2008 with a mobile-focused online
Vinyl Equity, a Chicago-based financial technology infrastructure provider and SEC-registered transfer agent, has raised $20 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Jump Capital, with prominent strategic participation from MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP), the corporate venture capital arm of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.
The nation’s three banking giants—Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)—announced today a formal agreement to fast-track the commercial launch of a jointly issued stablecoin. The megabanks aim to initiate live, practical transactions using the new digital asset within fiscal year 2026. Under
ITFOR (TSE: 4743) has entered into a basic agreement to establish a joint venture with corporate growth advisory firm SOURCING BROTHERS. The new subsidiary, tentatively named ITFOR Growth Capital, is scheduled for establishment in July 2026 and aims to aggressively accelerate the company’s long-term inorganic growth strategy. Driving