payments
Blockchain infrastructure developer Datachain, a subsidiary of Speee Inc. (TSE: 4499), announced the launch of a proof-of-concept (PoC) trial for its unified cross-chain API platform. The initiative aims to bridge enterprise data with on-chain financial systems to power programmable B2B payments using tokenized deposits and stablecoins.
banking
GMO Aozora Net Bank has announced a pioneering strategy to become the world's first "AI Bank" by integrating autonomous agents into three core areas of its business. This initiative focuses on delivering personalized banking experiences for corporate clients, automating internal operations through an AI transformation, and
capital markets
Webull Securities, the Japanese subsidiary of global digital investment platform Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL), has launched two new API integration tools geared toward AI agents and AI coding assistants: “Webull MCP Server” and “Webull Agent Skills.” According to the company, this marks the first time a domestic brokerage in Japan
broker/dealer
Japanese-founded and US-headquartered Alpaca, a provider of API-first stock and crypto brokerage infrastructure, has raised $150 million in a Series D funding round, propelling the company’s valuation to $1.15 billion. The round was led by Drive Capital, with participation from major institutional players including Citadel
broker/dealer
Alpaca, a global leader in brokerage infrastructure APIs providing access to options, stocks, ETFs, fixed income, and crypto, recently announced the launch of US stock execution service for SBI Securities, Japan’s largest online brokerage firm. This announcement provides a broader offering for US stock execution and access in Japan.
API
With the mission of "Making small businesses the world's leading players," freee develops and provides SaaS-based cloud services, including its integrated cloud accounting software "freee Accounting," which streamlines accounting, human resources, and labor management in an integrated manner. Furthermore, by providing its public
credit card
Nudge's next-generation credit card "Nudge" has reached its 4-year service anniversary in September 2025, while the company has implemented various feature expansions to enhance the user experience over the past year. Background and Mission Japan has high trust in and acceptance of cash compared
credit card
Infcurion, which will go public on the Growth Segment of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on October 24, 2025, has started offering the latest version of its next-generation card platform "Xard (Exard)". This latest version adds integrated implementation of "member management," "funding source management,"
broker/dealer
Alpaca, a self-clearing broker-dealer and brokerage infrastructure API, intends to acquire WealthKernel, a wealthtech firm specializing in digital investment infrastructure and tax-advantaged products. This strategic acquisition will bring WealthKernel’s UK and EU licensed brokerage infrastructure to Alpaca, supporting their rapid global expansion to achieve its mission
open banking
MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP), an investor in Moneytree, today announced that Moneytree has signed a basic agreement with MUFG Bank and its consolidated subsidiary WealthNavi regarding the acquisition of Moneytree’s shares. MUFG Bank, WealthNavi, and Moneytree have expressed their intention to proceed with discussions in accordance with the provisions