Next-Generation Full-Cloud Acquiring Platform "Axios" Utilizing Visa Solutions Launched
Infcurion and CCI Group, with Visa's support, will launch "Axios," a next-generation full-cloud acquiring platform, on April 30, 2026. It integrates and manages diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and Japan's first deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika."
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 00:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 16:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 16:28 (26 min after Collected)
Infcurion Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koki Maruyama; hereinafter "Infcurion") and CCI Group Inc. (Headquarters: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; CEO: Shuji Tsunemura; hereinafter "CCI Group") announce that, with the support of Visa Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shitan 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), the processing of deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2). It realizes hybrid merchant management that combines existing fiat currency payments with new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. "Axios" is also built utilizing "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4), solutions deployed globally by the Visa Group.
■ The Acquiring Market Undergoing Transformation 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 that can grasp the flow of funds for merchants is increasing, and acquirers (*5) are changing 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 mainly been self-built (on-premise), and enormous construction costs and complex operational structures have been major barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, Infcurion and CCI Group have developed "Axios," a flexible and scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
The emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" in the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies, marks a turning point that brings new entry opportunities.
"Axios" provides lower introduction and operational costs than conventional systems by building the system on the cloud and assuming multi-company use. This makes it easier for a wide range of companies from different industries to enter the acquiring market by linking their services with payments, including not only SaaS companies and marketplaces that do not have acquiring as their main 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 the first acquiring platform in Japan to support its payment processing.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is transferable digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, under the approval and involvement of the bank.
*3. A new 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 from VisaNet and optimizes the process.
*5. Also known as merchant acquiring companies, these are businesses that contract with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at physical stores and e-commerce sites, and mediate payment systems and settle sales proceeds.
■ Main Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides functions necessary for the acquiring business as modules on the cloud.
1. 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.
2. 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 by a single system. This allows both merchants and users to make payments smoothly.
Also, accept Visa tap payments with your mobile device.
"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), the processing of deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2). It realizes hybrid merchant management that combines existing fiat currency payments with new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. "Axios" is also built utilizing "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4), solutions deployed globally by the Visa Group.
■ The Acquiring Market Undergoing Transformation 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 that can grasp the flow of funds for merchants is increasing, and acquirers (*5) are changing 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 mainly been self-built (on-premise), and enormous construction costs and complex operational structures have been major barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, Infcurion and CCI Group have developed "Axios," a flexible and scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
The emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" in the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies, marks a turning point that brings new entry opportunities.
"Axios" provides lower introduction and operational costs than conventional systems by building the system on the cloud and assuming multi-company use. This makes it easier for a wide range of companies from different industries to enter the acquiring market by linking their services with payments, including not only SaaS companies and marketplaces that do not have acquiring as their main 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 the first acquiring platform in Japan to support its payment processing.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is transferable digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, under the approval and involvement of the bank.
*3. A new 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 from VisaNet and optimizes the process.
*5. Also known as merchant acquiring companies, these are businesses that contract with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at physical stores and e-commerce sites, and mediate payment systems and settle sales proceeds.
■ Main Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides functions necessary for the acquiring business as modules on the cloud.
1. 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.
2. 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 by a single system. This allows both merchants and users to make payments smoothly.
Also, accept Visa tap payments with your mobile device.