TLDR
- PayPay acquired 40% of Binance Japan in September 2025 for direct crypto trading integration
- 70 million PayPay users will access crypto buying and selling through PayPay Money
- Binance Japan operates as a licensed exchange under Japanese regulatory oversight
- Partnership creates two-way movement between Japanese yen and digital assets
- PayPay processed 380 million transactions in 2024, growing 36% year-over-year
SoftBank-backed PayPay has purchased a 40% stake in Binance Japan. The deal closed in September 2025 and makes Binance Japan an equity-method affiliate of the payment giant.
The partnership enables Binance Japan users to trade cryptocurrency using PayPay Money. Customers can deposit funds and withdraw proceeds directly through the PayPay app. This removes the need for separate bank transfers or additional payment accounts.
PayPay launched in 2018 and has grown into Japan’s largest mobile payment platform. The service reached 70 million registered users in July 2025. Transaction volume hit 380 million remittances in 2024, up from 280 million the previous year.
Binance Japan holds a license from the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. The exchange has operated spot trading and savings products since August 2023. Japanese law requires all crypto platforms to maintain strict regulatory compliance.
How the Integration Works
The PayPay Money integration provides a direct funding method for crypto purchases. Users open the Binance Japan app and select PayPay Money as their payment option. Funds transfer instantly from their PayPay balance to their trading account.
The system works in reverse for withdrawals. After selling crypto assets, users can move proceeds back to PayPay Money. This creates a closed loop between fiat currency and digital assets.
Previously, Binance Japan only accepted deposits through traditional bank transfers. The PayPay option speeds up the funding process and reduces transaction steps. This approach targets mainstream users rather than experienced crypto traders.
Masayoshi Yanase serves as corporate officer at PayPay. He explained the strategic thinking behind the investment. “By investing in Binance Japan, which is a part of Binance, the world’s largest digital asset exchange by trading volume, we will provide Binance users with solutions that combine the convenience and security of PayPay,” Yanase stated.
Expanding Digital Finance Services
Takeshi Chino manages Binance Japan as general manager. He outlined the partnership’s goals. “By combining PayPay’s extensive user scale with Binance’s innovative technology, we will be able to make Web3 more accessible to people across the country and deliver secure, seamless digital assets services,” Chino said.
The companies plan to co-develop additional products beyond basic trading. These could include loyalty rewards, cashback programs, or remittance features using the same payment rails. The infrastructure supports instant movement in both directions between fiat and crypto.
PayPay has pursued growth outside Japan in recent months. The company launched service in South Korea in September 2025. In August 2025, PayPay filed confidentially with the SEC to list American depositary shares on a US exchange. Terms and timing remain subject to market conditions.
Market Context
BNB, the native cryptocurrency of Binance’s blockchain network, has gained value recently. The token traded near $1,300 on October 9, 2025. Market capitalization reached approximately $182 billion. BNB climbed 26% in the week prior and holds third place among all cryptocurrencies by market cap.
The PayPay investment demonstrates how traditional payment companies can enter crypto markets through regulated partnerships. Japan’s licensing framework requires exchanges to meet specific security and compliance standards. This creates clear rules for collaboration between fintech platforms and crypto exchanges.
