Australian-based fintech Hiya Intelligent immediately introduced the appointment of Kaido Chiwata as Head of Japan & International Enlargement, alongside the official launch of its Japan workplace. The transfer marks a significant step within the firm’s Asia Pacific technique and underscores its dedication to constructing long-term operations in one of many world’s most vital fintech markets.

Hiya Intelligent has been increasing quickly throughout the area in 2025, opening its Singapore workplace in February and Vietnam in August. The launch of the Japan workplace in September displays the corporate’s ambition to assist retailers in high-growth, high-complexity markets throughout APAC.

Japan: A Market Prepared for Change

Japan’s digital funds market is projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030, rising from roughly USD 280 billion in 2025. But at the same time as adoption accelerates, cashless funds nonetheless account for lower than half of shopper spend.

Authorities initiatives are driving the shift. Japan’s Ministry of Economic system, Commerce and Business initially set a goal of 40% cashless adoption by 2025 a milestone already surpassed in 2024. The long-term purpose is 80% by 2030, signaling sustained momentum.

On the identical time, loyalty adoption is accelerating, with companies searching for platforms that join funds to buyer retention, turning each transaction right into a lever for development.

Constructed Completely different

Not like conventional suppliers that merely course of funds, Hiya Intelligent presents a real-time funds intelligence layer that helps retailers immediately interpret transactions and switch them into development alternatives. By combining funds, loyalty, and AI-powered insights, the platform permits companies to:

• Strengthen retention and loyalty packages
• Improve repeat gross sales and buyer lifetime worth
• Function with enterprise-grade belief and compliance (PCI DSS v4.0.1 licensed)
• Leverage a real-time cost infrastructure, each regionally and cross-border
• Activate AI-powered suggestions and predictive marketing campaign simulations
• Assist Japanese retailers attain abroad prospects with FX-friendly and multi-currency capabilities
• Allow world retailers to localise loyalty and checkout experiences for Japanese shoppers

Hiya Intelligent’s local-first technique in Japan focuses on integrating with home cost rails, forging merchant-first partnerships, and embedding regulatory compliance on the core of its operations.

Confirmed Management for Japan

To guide the brand new workplace in Japan, Hiya Intelligent has appointed Kaido Chiwata, a seasoned fintech operator with greater than a decade of management expertise. Chiwata has held senior roles at Stripe, Moneytree, and Spenmo, and most just lately co-founded BillPay, a Tokyo-based startup that simplifies Japan market entry for international corporations.

In 2025, BillPay received the Viewers Award at FINOPITCH, Japan’s premier fintech pitch contest. Chiwata additionally took half within the JETRO × AlchemistX International Startup Acceleration Program, showcasing his entrepreneurial management and deepening ties inside Japan’s monetary and startup ecosystem.

“Japan is a cornerstone in our Asia Pacific growth,” stated Caroline Tran, Co-Founder & CEO of Hiya Intelligent. “With Kaido main, we’re combining native information, regulatory belief, and a differentiated product that goes past processing to assist retailers unlock true development.”

“I’m excited to construct Hiya Intelligent’s Japan enterprise from the bottom up,” stated Kaido Chiwata, Head of Japan & International Enlargement. “The way forward for funds right here is about greater than velocity. Retailers need real-time settlement, smarter methods to interact prospects, and the intelligence to behave on behaviour immediately. Hiya Intelligent delivers all three whereas additionally serving to Japanese retailers attain abroad consumers, and world manufacturers achieve Japan.”

Constructing for APAC and Past

The opening of Hiya Intelligent Japan marks the corporate’s third Asia Pacific workplace in 2025, following Singapore and Vietnam. With headquarters in Sydney, Australia, and a rising presence throughout the area, Hiya Intelligent is constructing the funds and loyalty intelligence platform that helps retailers flip each transaction into development.