Launch of "Axios," a Next-Generation Full-Cloud Acquiring Platform Utilizing Visa Solutions
CCI Group and Infcurion, with support from Visa, announced the launch of "Axios," a next-generation full-cloud acquiring platform, starting April 30, 2026. Axios will provide integrated management of diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and Japan's first deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika," making it easier for companies from various industries to enter the acquiring market.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 01:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 17:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 17:08 (6 min after Collected)
CCI Group Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Shuji Tsunemura; hereinafter "CCI Group") and Infcurion Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President, and CEO: Hiroki Maruyama; hereinafter "Infcurion") announced that, with the support of Visa Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Sitan 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 realizes integrated management of diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and, for the first time in Japan (*1), the deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2). It enables hybrid merchant management for existing fiat currency payments and new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. Furthermore, "Axios" is built utilizing "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4), solutions deployed globally by the Visa Group.
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 acquiring 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 mainly been self-built (on-premise), with enormous construction costs and complex operational structures being major barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, CCI Group and Infcurion developed "Axios," a flexible and highly scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
In the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies, the emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" represents a turning point that brings new entry opportunities.
"Axios" builds systems on the cloud and is designed for multi-company use, offering lower introduction and operational costs than traditional methods. This makes it easier for a wide range of cross-industry companies—not only SaaS companies and marketplaces that do not have acquiring business as their main business, but also regional companies with their own economic spheres—to integrate their services with payments and enter the acquiring market. We are convinced that this cross-industry entry will significantly contribute to market expansion and industry transformation.
*1. As of April 2026, Hokkoku Bank Co., Ltd. is the only provider of deposit-type stablecoins, making this acquiring platform the first in Japan to support its payment processing.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, with the approval and involvement of the bank, and allows for deposit transfers.
*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 optimizes processes by directly requesting payment processing to VisaNet.
*5. Also known as merchant acquiring companies, these businesses enter into contracts with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at physical stores and e-commerce sites, mediating payment systems and processing sales proceeds.
Key Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides the necessary functions for the acquiring business as cloud modules.
1. Low-cost introduction through full cloud and shared use
By sharing system use 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 adopt.
2. Integrated management from cards to digital currencies
It can manage and process diverse payment methods, including international brand cards such as Visa, debit cards, QR payments, and the deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika," within a single system. This allows for smooth payments for both merchants and users.
Additionally, it enables acceptance of Visa tap payments using a mobile device.
"Axios" is an innovative system that realizes integrated management of diverse payment methods, including international brand cards and, for the first time in Japan (*1), the deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika" (*2). It enables hybrid merchant management for existing fiat currency payments and new digital currency payments, which was difficult with conventional payment systems. Furthermore, "Axios" is built utilizing "Visa Cloud Connect" (*3) and "Visa Platform Connect" (*4), solutions deployed globally by the Visa Group.
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 acquiring 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 mainly been self-built (on-premise), with enormous construction costs and complex operational structures being major barriers to new entry and functional expansion. To address these challenges, CCI Group and Infcurion developed "Axios," a flexible and highly scalable full-cloud, multi-tenant acquiring platform.
In the acquiring business, which has traditionally been handled by banks and card companies, the emergence of a full-cloud platform like "Axios" represents a turning point that brings new entry opportunities.
"Axios" builds systems on the cloud and is designed for multi-company use, offering lower introduction and operational costs than traditional methods. This makes it easier for a wide range of cross-industry companies—not only SaaS companies and marketplaces that do not have acquiring business as their main business, but also regional companies with their own economic spheres—to integrate their services with payments and enter the acquiring market. We are convinced that this cross-industry entry will significantly contribute to market expansion and industry transformation.
*1. As of April 2026, Hokkoku Bank Co., Ltd. is the only provider of deposit-type stablecoins, making this acquiring platform the first in Japan to support its payment processing.
*2. A digital currency/regional digital payment service provided by Hokkoku Bank. It is digital money issued and managed using blockchain technology, with the approval and involvement of the bank, and allows for deposit transfers.
*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 optimizes processes by directly requesting payment processing to VisaNet.
*5. Also known as merchant acquiring companies, these businesses enter into contracts with stores (merchants) to accept credit cards and other payment methods at physical stores and e-commerce sites, mediating payment systems and processing sales proceeds.
Key Features and Functions of "Axios"
"Axios" is a platform that provides the necessary functions for the acquiring business as cloud modules.
1. Low-cost introduction through full cloud and shared use
By sharing system use 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 adopt.
2. Integrated management from cards to digital currencies
It can manage and process diverse payment methods, including international brand cards such as Visa, debit cards, QR payments, and the deposit-type stablecoin "Tochika," within a single system. This allows for smooth payments for both merchants and users.
Additionally, it enables acceptance of Visa tap payments using a mobile device.