Infcurion's Next-Generation Card Platform “Xard” Expands to B2C Market

Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2025 - Infcurion, a leading Japanese payment enabler, today announced that it will provide its next-generation card platform, "Xard" to The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd. (Headquarters: Kanazawa, Ishikawa; President and CEO: Haruhiko Kometani; hereinafter "Hokkoku Bank") for its new debit card service, "one paretto" which launches on September 22, 2025. This marks the first B2C deployment of "Xard" leveraging its proven success in the corporate (B2B) sector.
"Xard" is an API-based platform that enables companies to easily and affordably issue their own international brand cards (virtual and physical). By leveraging this technology, "one paretto" provides a highly convenient payment and financial experience, enabling instant issuance and use from the Hokkoku Bank smartphone app, as well as contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Background
In recent years, the adoption of cashless payments in Japan has been rapidly advancing, surpassing 40% in 2024 according to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Amidst this market environment, there is a growing need for payment services that operate entirely within a smartphone app and offer advanced speed and security.
Among these, debit cards, which are directly linked to bank accounts, are popular with a wide range of users for their seamless, charge-free user experience. Furthermore, for the digital-native generation (particularly those in their 20s and 30s), making payments using only a smartphone is becoming the norm.
Virtual cards are also gaining popularity due to their faster issuance and enhanced security compared to traditional physical cards. In the rare case of fraudulent use, users can promptly suspend or reissue their card on the app, allowing continued use without waiting for physical delivery.
Against this backdrop, Hokkoku Bank has launched "one paretto", a virtual debit card service for individuals using "Xard" to provide a new financial experience centered on its smartphone app. A physical card can also be issued from the "one paretto" app.

Key Features of the New "one paretto" Service

• Fully digital application and instant virtual card issuance via the smartphone app.
• Supports Visa contactless payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay) on smartphones.
• All post-activation settings and procedures are completed within the app.
• Points can be used anytime, anywhere at Visa merchants in Japan and overseas.

Comment from Haruhiko Kometani, President and CEO of The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd.
"Our new app-based Visa debit service, 'one paretto' allows for instant issuance and immediate use, and supports Visa's contactless payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay. This will enable our customers to streamline their daily payments. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Infcurion for their tremendous support in making this project a reality. By leveraging Infcurion's 'Xard', we have been able to offer an innovative financial service. Hokkoku Bank will continue to walk alongside the people of our region and contribute to the development of the local community by providing services that utilize cutting-edge technology."

Comment from Hiroki Maruyama, CEO of Infcurion, Inc.
"We are honored that Hokkoku Bank, with its forward-thinking vision for a 'next-generation regional digital platform' has selected 'Xard' for its first B2C card platform. Leveraging the technology and expertise we have cultivated in the corporate card sector, we will continue to contribute to the development of Japan's cashless society by supporting card issuance for various companies, across both B2B and B2C sectors"

Future Developments
Infcurion will continue to expand its services and business domains. We plan to add new functions to "one paretto" such as post-payment features similar to credit cards, ETC cards, and family cards, to continuously meet the diverse needs of our customers. Furthermore, building on this achievement, we will broadly offer flexible and advanced card processing to business enterprises and financial institutions for both business and consumer use.

About "Xard"
is a next-generation card platform that allows companies to easily and affordably issue their own original JCB/Visa cards (virtual/physical) through API integration. With its diverse issuance formats, it caters to the business needs of a wide range of enterprises, including Fintech companies, financial institutions, retailers, and web service providers. By integrating the various API functions offered by "Xard" into their own services, companies can create new user experiences.
"Xard" Service Page: https://infcurion.com/xard/
"Xard" Document Download Page: https://infcurion.com/xard/download/

About The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd.
As a regional bank headquartered in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, The Hokkoku Bank has developed financial services deeply rooted in the local community. The bank actively promotes digitalization, including the introduction of its self-developed internet banking system, to provide new value to the lives of the region's residents. Currently, the bank is working to innovate the regional payment infrastructure to realize a "Super Cashless Region". In October 2025, as a subsidiary of the CCI Group (the planned new name for Hokkoku Financial Holdings), it will further strengthen group collaboration and aim to contribute to the local community from a broader perspective. Under its new slogan, "Thinking of the future, thinking of you," the bank continues to strive for the realization of a prosperous society as a partner that supports everyone’s future, fostering trust and empathy.

Company Profile
Company Name: The Hokkoku Bank, Ltd.
Representative: Haruhiko Kometani, President and CEO
Establishment: December 18, 1943
Headquarters: 2-12-6 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
URL: https://www.hokkokubank.co.jp

About Infcurion
Infcurion is the “Fintech Partner for Every Industry and Service,” delivering optimal payment and financial solutions across society. Leveraging deep expertise from years of consulting experience and our modern, flexible payment systems, we deliver a “comprehensive payment platform” that seamlessly handles every payment scenario, from B2C cashless transactions to B2B corporate settlements.
We partner closely with our clients, providing end-to-end support from Fintech strategy formulation to the creation of new financial services. By empowering leading companies through payments and finance, we help solve societal challenges and enhance customer experiences.

Company Profile
Company Name: Infcurion, Inc.
Representative: Hiroki Maruyama, CEO
Establishment: May 1, 2006
Headquarters: MFPR Kojimachi Bldg. 7F, 5-7-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Affiliations: Fintech Association of Japan, Cashless Promotion Council, Japan Payment Service Association
URL: https://infcurion.com/

*Company names, product names, and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.