In a major move toward digital transformation, Tokyo-based payment infrastructure leader TIS Inc. has teamed up with Ava Labs, the developer behind Avalanche (AVAX), to launch a new blockchain platform aimed at modernizing Japan’s financial backbone.
The collaboration marks a shift in how traditional institutions are approaching blockchain — not as a disruptor, but as a tool to fortify and streamline existing financial systems.
The initiative introduces a Multi-Token Platform built through AvaCloud, Avalanche’s enterprise-grade blockchain service. It is designed to enable banks, corporations, and government agencies to issue, exchange, and manage digital currencies and tokenized assets — all in compliance with Japan’s strict Payment Services Act.
From Traditional Payments to Tokenized Infrastructure
TIS, best known for running PAYCIERGE, the processing system behind nearly half of Japan’s credit card transactions, is taking a bold step into blockchain. The company manages close to ¥300 trillion (about $2 trillion) in annual payments and now aims to merge that scale with decentralized efficiency.
By using Avalanche technology, TIS hopes to transition from a purely centralized payments model to one that integrates tokenization and instant settlement — a key step toward a more fluid and transparent financial ecosystem. The platform’s architecture can reportedly handle around 50,000 transactions per second, catering to the demanding standards of Japan’s banking sector.
AVAX Price Outlook: Weak Momentum Near $20
At the time of writing, Avalanche (AVAX) is trading at around $19.58, showing a 2% decline over the past 24 hours. The token has struggled to stay above the $20 support mark, facing consistent rejection near $21.
Technical indicators on the hourly chart highlight growing bearish pressure — the RSI has fallen below 45, indicating weakening buyer momentum, while the MACD shows a bearish crossover. If AVAX fails to hold above $19.50, it could slide toward the $18.80 support area. However, reclaiming $20.50 could restore short-term bullish confidence as November approaches.
Modernizing Finance Without Disruption
Executives from Ava Labs describe the collaboration as a turning point for Japan’s enterprise blockchain adoption. “Japan’s financial institutions aren’t looking to replace their systems — they’re looking to evolve them,” said John Nahas, head of business development at Ava Labs.
This approach reflects a broader trend in Asia, where traditional financial firms are experimenting with blockchain to increase efficiency while maintaining regulatory integrity. For Japan — one of the world’s most tightly regulated financial environments — the TIS-Ava Labs partnership represents a model for modernization without upheaval.
A Blueprint for the Future of Digital Finance
The platform’s scope extends far beyond payments. Nick Mussallem, CEO of AvaCloud, believes it could serve as the foundation for a new digital finance infrastructure that supports real-time transactions, embedded finance applications, and even CBDC pilots in the coming years.
If successful, the initiative could position Japan as a leader in regulated blockchain ecosystems — blending high-performance technology with institutional reliability.
Global Expansion Plans
TIS Executive Director Isao Otokita confirmed that the company is already looking beyond domestic use cases. The long-term goal is to make Japan’s blockchain-based financial architecture exportable, allowing banks and corporations worldwide to connect through a shared digital framework.
“Our goal is to build a financial infrastructure born in Japan that can be adopted globally,” Otokita said.
With its vast payments network and Avalanche’s advanced blockchain tools, TIS is laying the groundwork for a future where digital currencies, stablecoins, and tokenized assets move seamlessly through Japan’s financial arteries — and perhaps soon, the world’s.
