Wise has completed its direct connection to the Zengin Data Telecommunication System (Zengin System), Japan’s domestic payment network, becoming the first non-bank in the country to connect via the newly introduced API method instead of the legacy Relay Computer system.

The company has also become the first Funds Transfer Service Provider to settle payments directly with the Bank of Japan, allowing domestic yen transfers to be processed almost instantly without intermediary banks.

Through this connection, Wise can now use recipient name lookup via the TogoATM Switching Service.

This allows customers to verify that the intended recipient’s details match bank records before sending funds.

The feature helps reduce delays when customers enter katakana names incorrectly, a common issue in Japan’s payment flows.

Direct integrations with local payment schemes form a core part of Wise’s infrastructure.

The company says 74% of transfers on its platform now arrive in under 20 seconds.

Eight direct connections worldwide support this speed, including the UK’s Faster Payments System, Europe’s SEPA, Hungary’s domestic rails, Singapore’s FAST, Australia’s NPP, the Philippines’ Pesonet and Instapay, and Brazil’s Pix.

Five years ago, only 33% of transfers met this speed benchmark.

Wise worked with the Japanese Banks’ Payment Clearing Network (Zengin-Net) and the Bank of Japan to meet the technical and regulatory requirements for direct settlement access, according to FF News.

Japan has decided to open the Zengin System to non-banks with the option of direct settlement.

This move aligns with G20 commitments to enhance cross-border payments.

According to Wise’s 2025 G20 Report, eight G20 members currently receive the highest score for non-bank access to payment systems.

Japan is moving towards joining this group.

Diana Avila, Wise’s Chief Banking and Expansion Officer, said:

“Japan has taken a big step forward in opening its payment infrastructure to non-banks… This is exactly the kind of progress the G20 roadmap calls for.”

Wise will introduce access to the Zengin System in phases, gradually increasing transaction volumes to maintain service quality.

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by abdullahalamir195 via Freepik