Wise Becomes First Non-Bank to Go Live on Japan’s Zengin System via API and Settle Directly With Bank of Japan

Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, has successfully completed its direct connection to the Zengin Data Telecommunication System (“Zengin System”), Japan’s domestic payment network.

It is now the first non-bank operating in Japan to connect via the newly established API method rather than the existing Relay Computer (RC) system. Additionally, Wise is now the first Funds Transfer Service Provider to settle payments directly with the Bank of Japan, making domestic yen payments almost instant by eliminating the need for intermediary banking partners.

The connection also enables Wise to utilise recipient name lookup through the TogoATM Switching Service – a feature that helps Wise’s Japanese customers send payments with confidence by confirming recipient details match bank records. This addresses a common pain point where even minor discrepancies in katakana name entry can cause delays.

Direct connections to local payment schemes are the backbone of Wise’s infrastructure – 74% of all transfers on Wise now arrive in under 20 seconds as a result of Wise’s 8 connections: UK’s Faster Payments System, Europe’s SEPA, Hungary’s domestic rails, Singapore’s FAST, Australia’s NPP, Philippines’ Pesonet & Instapay, and Brazil’s Pix. Five years ago, that number was at 33%.

Over the past years, Wise has worked closely with the Japanese Banks’ Payment Clearing Network (“Zengin-Net”) and the Bank of Japan to build the technical infrastructure and satisfy the requirements for direct settlement participants in Japan’s payment system. Japan’s decision to open the Zengin System to non-banks with an option to direct settlement with the Bank of Japan places it among a group of 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, with Japan now moving toward joining this leading group.

Diana Avila, Wise Chief Banking & Expansion Officer, 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.”

Mika Sei, Wise Japan Country Manager, said: “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.”

Wise will implement a phased rollout approach to the Zengin System, gradually increasing transaction volume to ensure service quality while scaling to full capacity.

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