Global technology company Wise has successfully completed its direct connection to the Zengin Data Telecommunication System (“Zengin System”), Japan’s domestic payment network. The move makes Wise the first non-bank operating in Japan to connect via the newly established API method, rather than the legacy Relay Computer (RC) system.
In a significant development for the country’s financial ecosystem, Wise has also become the first Funds Transfer Service Provider to settle payments directly with the Bank of Japan. By eliminating the need for intermediary banking partners, the company can now process domestic yen payments almost instantly.
A new chapter for Japanese payments
The integration addresses several long-standing friction points for customers in Japan. Alongside speed, the connection allows Wise to utilise the ‘recipient name lookup’ feature through the TogoATM Switching Service. This functionality enables users to confirm that recipient details match bank records before sending funds, a critical feature in a market where minor discrepancies in katakana name entry often cause significant payment delays.
Mika Sei, country manager of Wise Japan, commented on the milestone: “One year ago, we celebrated being granted approval to join Zengin. Today, we’re proud to announce we’ve completed the work and are now processing customer payments directly through the system.
“Being the first non-bank to the system via API and to establish a settlement account with the Bank of Japan represents a new chapter for Japan’s financial ecosystem. It shows that well-regulated non-banks can satisfy the requirements of traditional institutions while leveraging technology to deliver better service. Combined with recipient name lookup through TogoATM Switching Service, we’re making sending money to and from Japan significantly easier and even more reliable.”
Opening infrastructure to non-banks
Japan’s decision to open the Zengin System to non-banks marks a shift in its approach to financial infrastructure, aligning it with other G20 economies that have acted on commitments to improve cross-border payments. According to Wise’s 2025 G20 Report, only eight G20 members currently score 5 out of 5 on direct access to payment systems for non-bank payment service providers. Japan is now moving toward joining this leading group.
Diana Avila, chief banking & expansion officer at Wise, said: “Japan has taken a big step forward in opening its payment infrastructure to non-banks. Direct access to the Zengin System puts Japanese consumers and businesses in a stronger position – they’ll see improved service quality, greater reliability, and ultimately better value as competition increases. This is exactly the kind of progress the G20 roadmap calls for, and Japan deserves recognition for following through on these commitments.”
Global infrastructure strategy
Direct connections to local payment schemes form the backbone of Wise’s infrastructure strategy. The company reports that 74 per cent of all transfers on its platform now arrive in under 20 seconds, a significant improvement from 33 per cent five years ago.
The Japanese integration becomes Wise’s eighth direct connection globally, adding to its existing links with the UK’s Faster Payments System, Europe’s SEPA, Singapore’s FAST, Australia’s NPP, Brazil’s Pix, and domestic rails in Hungary and the Philippines (Pesonet & Instapay).
Wise confirmed it will implement a phased rollout approach to the Zengin System, gradually increasing transaction volume to ensure service quality before scaling to full capacity.
