SoftBank's PayPay Acquires 40% Stake in Binance Japan

PayPay, a SoftBank Group subsidiary and Japan’s largest cashless payments provider, has acquired a 40% equity stake in Binance Japan. The alliance will combine PayPay’s payments infrastructure with Binance’s blockchain capabilities, aiming to make digital assets and Web3 tools more accessible to Japanese consumers.

What’s the Scoop?

• Major Equity Deal: PayPay has taken a 40% stake in Binance Japan, deepening its investment in Web3 infrastructure and signaling confidence in the future of regulated digital finance.
• Crypto Meets Cashless: The partnership will first enable Binance Japan users to buy and sell crypto directly through PayPay Money — a digital wallet used by over 70M Japanese customers — and withdraw proceeds seamlessly to their accounts.
• Product Expansion Ahead: Beyond payments, the two firms plan to co-develop new financial products that merge cashless payments with digital asset functionality, including merchant services and peer-to-peer transactions.
• Leadership Support: PayPay executive Masayoshi Yanase said the deal will enhance convenience and security for users while supporting Japan’s financial infrastructure. Binance Japan GM Takeshi Chino called it a “major step” toward making Web3 accessible to everyone in Japan.