Fintech Companies in Japan: Key Companies and Trends in 2025

Japan’s Fintech scene is changing rapidly. With new tech, shipping regulations, and adoption of cashless payment tech, a lot is happening.

In this article, we’ll discuss all things Fintech Japan — we'll examine some key trends shaping the industry in 2025, and highlight some of the most innovative Fintech companies operating in the country today.

But before we dig into Fintech in Japan, let’s unpack what a "Fintech" company actually is.

What Is a Fintech Company?

Fintech, short for financial technology, is all about using tech to shake up and improve financial services. Think of it as a broad category that covers everything from mobile banking apps to AI-powered financial tools that make transactions smoother, faster, and more secure. 

Whether it’s digital payments, lending, insurance, or even Blockchain-based solutions, Fintech companies are changing the way people and businesses handle money today.

At its core, Fintech is about making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. This could mean anything from using AI to analyze spending habits to creating digital wallets that replace cash.

So, the goal of Fintech can be summarized as making finance less of a headache and more of a seamless experience for everyone.

Fintech Trends in Japan

It’s no secret that Japan has traditionally been a cash-heavy society, but this is rapidly changing.

For one, the demand for embedded finance is increasing, with more businesses integrating financial services into their platforms. This allows companies outside the traditional banking sector to offer payments, loans, and other financial solutions within their own ecosystems.

Today, the Asia Pacific region, which includes Japan, is on track to become the world's largest Fintech market.

This all seems like the result of a perfect storm driven by technological advancements and consumer demand for digital solutions, but the government's regulatory support and planning also play a big role.

With new startups joining the country’s Fintech scene, it’s undeniable that the Fintech market in Japan is having a moment. 

EY’s International Fintech Review highlights that Japan’s Fintech industry is set for major growth as more and more businesses adopt cashless payment systems, digital banking, and AI-driven financial services by the minute.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. To help you understand the fintech scene in Japan better, let’s look at some of the biggest fintech companies in Japan.

The Biggest Fintech Companies in Japan

Here are some of the key players in Fintech currently hiring on Japan Dev.

1. PayPay Card

PayPay Card is a key player in Japan’s credit card industry and an integral part of the PayPay ecosystem. Originally launched under SoftBank’s Fintech expansion, the company focuses on making credit transactions easy, rewarding, and seamlessly integrated with PayPay, Japan’s top mobile payment service.

PayPay Card’s mission is to drive a cashless society by offering secure, accessible credit solutions. They provide various card options, each packed with perks like cashback and rewards, linked to the broader PayPay loyalty system.

Thanks to their digital-first approach, users can apply and get a virtual card approved in minutes.

Security is, of course, the company's top priority, featuring AI-powered fraud detection and real-time transaction monitoring to ensure ironclad protection for users' financial activities. 

1. Datachain

Datachain is revolutionizing how Blockchain networks communicate, making it easier for different systems to exchange data securely and efficiently. The core focus is on interoperability— ensuring that separate blockchain networks can seamlessly integrate and work with each other.

Datachain stands out for its deep expertise in interoperability protocols, including cross-chain technology and Blockchain-based identity verification. Their work supports financial institutions and enterprises looking to implement efficient Blockchain solutions.

Datachain’s mission is to create a more connected and efficient financial ecosystem using Blockchain as the backbone. Whether it’s lining asset transfers or enhancing data security, Datachain is leading the charge in Japan’s Blockchain innovation space today. 

1. Estie

Estie is shaking up Japan’s commercial real estate scene by blending Fintech with Proptech. The company’s goal is to make property investment and management more data-driven and efficient.

To reach this goal, the company provides AI-powered analytics and big data solutions that help businesses and investors easily track market trends and make smarter decisions.

Estie’s platform isn’t just about numbers— it’s designed to be user-friendly, offering tools for office leasing, investment strategy, and portfolio management. So, whether you’re a property investor or a business looking for office space, the company’s insights make navigating the market a whole lot easier.

What gives Estie its edge is its deep industry knowledge, combined with its cutting-edge tech. The company continuously refines its platform, ensuring that real estate professionals have access to the most up-to-date data to make informed, strategic moves in Japan’s dynamic property market.

1. Mercari - Merpay

Merpay, the Fintech arm of Mercari (Japan’s first unicorn start-up), is another company that’s transforming the way people shop and pay in Japan.

As part of Japan’s largest secondhand marketplace, Merpay focuses on financial inclusion, ensuring that even those without traditional banking access can make secure, cashless transactions.

By leveraging Mercari’s extensive user base, Merpay integrates mobile payments directly into the platform, allowing users to pay for goods both online and in physical stores.

The service also seamlessly connects with banks and credit networks, offering diverse payment options, including deferred payments and QR code transactions.

Merpay is making a big difference in the everyday lives of millions of users, growing Japan’s cashless economy and streamlining digital payments in the country.

1. Remody

Remody makes handling money less of a headache, whether you’re managing a business or just trying to keep track of your spending. The company provides automated tools for budgeting, tracking expenses, and financial planning, helping users stay on top of their finances with less effort.

The company’s goal is to simplify cash flow management so that users don’t have to get lost in spreadsheets or manual calculations. By using AI and automation, Remody gives people better control over their finances in a way that’s both efficient and stress-free.

What makes Remody really stand out is how well their platform integrates with banking and accounting systems, offering real-time insight and practical recommendations. 

The company’s success is built on making financial management intuitive, transparent, and easy to use for anyone looking to become or stay financially organized.

1. Alpaca

Alpaca is a Fintech company that makes stock trading more accessible through commission-free trading APIs. They provide a platform that allows developers to seamlessly integrate trading features into apps, making it easier for Fintech startups and independent traders to tap into the stock market.

The company heavily focuses on automation and AI-driven trading strategies, which help users make data-informed investment decisions with great ease. Their platform supports commission-free trading, algorithmic trading, and fractional shares, allowing retail investors and businesses to trade in a much smarter way.

Beyond just providing trading infrastructure, Alpaca fosters a developer-friendly ecosystem, offering easy-to-use APIs that connect with various financial services. With a mission to modernize and democratize stock trading, Alpaca is one of the key players in Japan’s Fintech scene.

1. AlpacaTech

AlpacaTech is all about making financial analysis smarter with AI and machine learning. The company creates advanced analytics tools that help hedge funds, financial institutions, and individual investors make better trading decisions.

AlpacaTech’s technology is designed to improve portfolio management, track market trends, and make trading more efficient using real-time data and automation. The company’s competitive advantage is how accessible and flexible their tools are. 

The company offers API-driven solutions that businesses and developers can integrate into their platforms to get AI-powered financial insights. By constantly refining their algorithms and staying on top of market trends, they’re making automated financial analysis more efficient and easier to use.

At its core, AlpacaTech aims to make financial technology more approachable and scalable. Whether you’re an institutional investor or an independent trader, their tools are designed to help you make smarter decisions and stay ahead in an evolving market.

1. Jamm

Jamm is a company that makes payment simple and secure for businesses and individuals. Whether you’re sending money to a friend or handling transactions for your business, their platform ensures fast, low-cost, and hassle-free digital payments.

Jamm’s goal is to have the most reliable, efficient, and accessible payment system. Security is a big focus of the company, with built-in protections to keep transactions safe while ensuring a smooth user experience. 

What sets the company apart is its emphasis on user-friendly design, affordability, and strong security measures. By continuously refining its platform, Jamm is another company on the Japan Dev job board that’s playing a key role in Japan’s transition to a more casual economy today.

1. Rakuten - Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Edy, Rakuten Card

Rakuten isn’t just about e-commerce—the corporate conglomerate has also built a strong presence in Fintech. 

Their financial services include Rakuten Pay, a mobile payment option that makes transactions easy, Rakuten Edy, a widely accepted prepaid E-money system, and Rakuten Card, which offers cashback and rewards.

Rakuten’s unique approach to Fintech stands out because of the interconnectedness of its broader ecosystem. Users can rack up and redeem Rakuten points across different services, making their loyalty program one of the most rewarding in Japan.

On top of that, Rakuten provides services in digital banking, investment, and even insurance, making it a go-to for various finance-related needs.

With a strong focus on digital innovation and making financial services more accessible, Rakuten is at the forefront of Japan’s Fintech scene.

1. Visual Alpha

Visual Alpha makes investment management more efficient by offering tools that turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. Their platform helps asset managers track performance, assess risks, and make smarter investment decisions without a hassle.

The company was founded with a mission to provide financial professionals with intuitive, data-driven solutions that simplify decision-making and boost transparency. By harnessing the power of AI and automation, Visual Alpha allows users to analyze vast amounts of financial data without having to rely on traditional spreadsheets.

That said, perhaps Visual Alpha's strongest suit is its easy-to-use interface and strong focus on data accuracy, which make it the most reliable solution for asset managers.

Today, Visual Alpha remains committed to helping the investment industry navigate the increasingly data-driven industry landscape as a key, trustworthy player in Fintech.

1. Moneytree

Moneytree takes the hassle out of managing finances by bringing all your accounts, expenses, and investments into one place. Their platform helps individuals and businesses keep track of their money without having to switch between multiple apps or spreadsheets.

One of their standard features is, without a doubt, their API, which lets businesses integrate secure, real-time financial data into their own apps. This makes Moneytree a popular choice among companies looking to streamline their financial services and improve their user experience.

What makes Moneytree different? They put a strong focus on privacy and security, ensuring users have full control over their data while benefiting from clear financial insights. Moneytree continues to be a key player in Japan’s evolving Fintech landscape with an emphasis on simplicity and innovation. 

1. Money Forward

Money Forward is a major name in Japan’s Fintech industry, providing financial tools that help both individuals and businesses manage their money more efficiently. 

Their platform covers personal finance management, accounting, software, and business financial services, all designed to simplify day-to-day financial tasks and improve transparency.

What gives Money Forward an edge is that they offer solutions for everything from expense tracking to corporate budgeting, making them a trusted choice for consumers and companies alike. The company also has a strong culture of innovation, constantly refining its products to better meet user needs.

A big shift for Money Forward has been their move toward an English-speaking development team, making them a more accessible workplace for global talent. This shift clearly reflects their goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ideal for foreign professionals looking to work in Japan’s Fintech sector.

In addition to all this, the company is also among the most family-friendly companies in Japan, which makes it all the more appealing to work here.

1. ExaWizards

As one of the pioneering forces in Japan’s AI scene, Exawizards is using AI to tackle real-world challenges across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, and human resources. Their technology helps businesses make smarter decisions by automating investment strategies, improving risk assessments, and streamlining operations.

However, they’re not just about finance—Exawizards applies AI to areas like elderly care and workforce management, making a real impact beyond the corporate world.

The company has a mission to create AI-driven solutions that are both innovative and practical. They focus on ethical AI development, ensuring their technology is transparent, reliable, and easy to integrate into existing systems. 

What makes Exawizards stand out among other fintech companies is their emphasis on solving tangible problems rather than just building theoretical models.

By continuously refining its tools and expanding its reach, Exawizards is proving that advanced artificial intelligence can be a powerful yet accessible tool for businesses and society alike. Whether it’s optimizing financial strategies or improving daily life, they’re putting AI to good use where it matters the most.

Final Word on Fintech in Japan

There you have it— Japan’s Fintech space is buzzing with innovation, and the companies we introduced above are leading the charge.

Whether it’s AI-driven investment platforms, blockchain-powered financial systems, or digital payment solutions, Fintech in Japan is evolving fast. 

With APAC set to become the world’s biggest Fintech market, now is a great time to watch the Fintech landscape in Japan take off or, better yet, become a part of the change yourself. 

Many of the companies we introduced offer great career opportunities on our job board, so check it out if you’re a foreign engineer or developer planning to move to Japan.