Malaysia-based fintech company Soft Space and Japan’s Hokkoku Financial Holdings (Hokkoku FHD) have joined forces to launch a new payment solution that lets merchants accept both contactless card payments and — for the first time — stablecoin payments, all through a regular smartphone or tablet.
This is the world’s first SoftPOS (software point-of-sale) system that’s certified for security under global mobile payment standards and supports stablecoin payments in real-world use, the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.
The service helps support Hokkoku’s goal of building a “Super Cashless Region” by making digital payments easier and more affordable across Japan’s Hokuriku area.
Merchants don’t need to buy any extra equipment — just an Android device with the app installed is enough to start accepting payments.
A key feature is support for Tochika, a stablecoin backed by Japanese yen and issued by Hokkoku Bank. Customers can use the Tochituka app to make fast and secure payments to shops using this digital currency.
Tochika is a stablecoin that follows Japan’s updated Payment Services Act and is fully backed by real money held in bank deposits.
The new SoftPOS system uses Soft Space’s own Fasstap technology and meets the latest global security standard for mobile payments, called PCI MPoC. This ensures the payments are safe and secure.
Since it doesn’t require physical card machines, the system helps merchants save money and reduce daily work while making digital payments easier to offer to more customers.
“Hokkoku FHD has continuously focused on promoting cashless and digital payments to drive innovative productivity improvements across the Hokuriku region，
“We are delighted to collaborate with Soft Space to introduce an innovative touch-first payment service，” said Shuji Tsuemura, President of Hokkoku FHD.
Joel Tay, Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space, added that the solution is more than just a mobile payment tool — it’s a real-world example of how everyday merchants and consumers can use digital currency.
“With just a smartphone, businesses can now accept both traditional and next-generation payments simply and securely,” he added.
The service is set to launch in Autumn 2025 and will support major international card networks like Visa and JCB, along with Tochika stablecoin payments.
Soft Space, founded in 2012 and based in Kuala Lumpur, is a leading fintech company. It works with over 90 financial institutions and partners in 30 countries, providing a variety of solutions — from contactless mobile payments to fully branded e-wallet services for both businesses and consumers.
Hokkoku FHD is a financial holding company that aims to be a next-generation regional leader, offering a wide range of economic and digital services.
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