Next-Generation Full-Cloud Acquiring Platform "Axios" Utilizing Visa Solutions Launched
CCI Group and Infcurion, with the support of Visa, announce the launch of "Axios," a next-generation full-cloud acquiring platform, starting April 30, 2026. This innovative system integrates diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and, for the first time in Japan, deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" payment processing, enabling hybrid merchant management for existing fiat and new digital currencies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 00:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 16:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 16:59 (57 min after Collected)
CCI Group (Headquarters: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; President & CEO: Shuji Tsunemura; hereinafter "CCI Group") and Infcurion Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Koki Maruyama; hereinafter "Infcurion") announce that, with the support of Visa Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Sheetan Kitney; hereinafter "Visa"), they will begin offering "Axios," a next-generation full-cloud acquiring platform, starting April 30, 2026.
"Axios" is an innovative system that achieves integrated management of diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and, for the first time in Japan (*1), deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2) payment processing. It enables hybrid merchant management for existing fiat currency payments and new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. "Axios" is also built utilizing Visa Group's globally deployed solutions, "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4).
■ The Acquiring Market in a Transformative Period and the Value of "Axios"
The global acquiring market is undergoing a major transformation due to the expansion of the e-commerce market and the advancement of digital transformation (DX). The value of payment data, which allows understanding of merchant cash flows, is increasing, and acquirers (merchant management companies) (*5) are shifting their role from a fee-based business to a software company.
In recent years, in addition to credit cards, the implementation of digital regional currencies and stablecoins utilizing blockchain technology has progressed, forcing payment service providers to respond quickly and flexibly to these new payment methods. On the other hand, systems for acquiring (merchant contracting and management) operations have traditionally been self-built (on-premise), with enormous construction costs and complex operational structures posing significant barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, CCI Group and Infcurion have developed "Axios," a flexible and scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
The emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" marks a turning point, bringing new entry opportunities to the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies.
"Axios" builds systems on the cloud and is designed for use by multiple companies, offering lower introduction and operational costs than conventional methods. This makes it easier for a wide range of companies from different industries to enter the acquiring market by linking their own services with payments. This includes not only SaaS companies and marketplaces, which do not have acquiring as their core business, but also real business areas such as regional companies with their own economic zones. We are confident that this entry from different industries will greatly contribute to market expansion and industry transformation.
*1. As of April 2026, only Hokkoku Bank Co., Ltd. offers deposit-type stablecoins, making this acquiring platform, which supports its payment processing, the first in Japan.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, transferable as deposits under the bank's approval and involvement.
*3. The latest solution for Visa clients to connect to VisaNet via a cloud environment. First adoption by a Japanese company.
*4. A solution that directly requests payment processing to VisaNet and optimizes the process.
*5. Also known as merchant management companies, these are businesses that contract with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at stores and e-commerce sites, mediating payment systems and settling sales proceeds.
■ Main Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides functions necessary for the acquiring business as cloud-based modules.
Low-cost introduction through full-cloud and shared use
By sharing the system on the cloud, initial investment and operational burden can be significantly reduced. This mechanism makes it easy for companies other than financial institutions, marketplaces, and regional businesses to introduce.
Centralized management from cards to digital currencies
In addition to international brand cards such as Visa, diverse payment methods including debit cards, QR payments, and deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" can be managed and processed within a single system. This allows for smooth payments for both merchants and users.
Also, with a mobile device in hand, Visa's tap-to-pay functionality...
"Axios" is an innovative system that achieves integrated management of diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and, for the first time in Japan (*1), deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2) payment processing. It enables hybrid merchant management for existing fiat currency payments and new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. "Axios" is also built utilizing Visa Group's globally deployed solutions, "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4).
■ The Acquiring Market in a Transformative Period and the Value of "Axios"
The global acquiring market is undergoing a major transformation due to the expansion of the e-commerce market and the advancement of digital transformation (DX). The value of payment data, which allows understanding of merchant cash flows, is increasing, and acquirers (merchant management companies) (*5) are shifting their role from a fee-based business to a software company.
In recent years, in addition to credit cards, the implementation of digital regional currencies and stablecoins utilizing blockchain technology has progressed, forcing payment service providers to respond quickly and flexibly to these new payment methods. On the other hand, systems for acquiring (merchant contracting and management) operations have traditionally been self-built (on-premise), with enormous construction costs and complex operational structures posing significant barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, CCI Group and Infcurion have developed "Axios," a flexible and scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
The emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" marks a turning point, bringing new entry opportunities to the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies.
"Axios" builds systems on the cloud and is designed for use by multiple companies, offering lower introduction and operational costs than conventional methods. This makes it easier for a wide range of companies from different industries to enter the acquiring market by linking their own services with payments. This includes not only SaaS companies and marketplaces, which do not have acquiring as their core business, but also real business areas such as regional companies with their own economic zones. We are confident that this entry from different industries will greatly contribute to market expansion and industry transformation.
*1. As of April 2026, only Hokkoku Bank Co., Ltd. offers deposit-type stablecoins, making this acquiring platform, which supports its payment processing, the first in Japan.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, transferable as deposits under the bank's approval and involvement.
*3. The latest solution for Visa clients to connect to VisaNet via a cloud environment. First adoption by a Japanese company.
*4. A solution that directly requests payment processing to VisaNet and optimizes the process.
*5. Also known as merchant management companies, these are businesses that contract with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at stores and e-commerce sites, mediating payment systems and settling sales proceeds.
■ Main Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides functions necessary for the acquiring business as cloud-based modules.
Low-cost introduction through full-cloud and shared use
By sharing the system on the cloud, initial investment and operational burden can be significantly reduced. This mechanism makes it easy for companies other than financial institutions, marketplaces, and regional businesses to introduce.
Centralized management from cards to digital currencies
In addition to international brand cards such as Visa, diverse payment methods including debit cards, QR payments, and deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" can be managed and processed within a single system. This allows for smooth payments for both merchants and users.
Also, with a mobile device in hand, Visa's tap-to-pay functionality...