Ria Money Transfer strengthens Asia Pacific presence through strategic acquisition of Kyodai Remittance

Rhea-AI Summary

Ria Money Transfer, a subsidiary of Euronet (NASDAQ: EEFT), has acquired a 60% majority stake in Unidos Co., Ltd., known as Kyodai Remittance, a Japanese funds transfer business. The acquisition strengthens Ria's presence in Japan and the Asia Pacific region by adding 17 Kyodai-owned stores and access to over 44,000 ATMs through Japan Post Bank and Lawson Bank locations.

Kyodai Remittance holds a distinguished Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider license, allowing transactions exceeding JPY 1 million (approximately USD $6,800). The integration will give customers access to Ria's global network of 624,000 locations, 4 billion bank accounts, and 3.2 billion digital wallets. This strategic move comes as Japan's remittance market grows, with USD $6.07 billion in personal remittances sent from Japan in 2024.

[ "Acquisition provides access to over 44,000 ATMs across Japan through established partnerships", "Kyodai's Type 1 license enables high-value transactions exceeding JPY 1 million", "Integration expands reach to 624,000 locations, 4 billion bank accounts, and 3.2 billion digital wallets globally", "Strategic entry into growing Japanese remittance market worth USD $6.07 billion", "15-year existing partnership reduces integration risks" ]

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Majority stake (60%) acquisition means partial control of operations
• Faces competitive pressure in Japanese market amid increasing immigration

Insights

Global Financial Markets Strategist

Euronet expands Asia remittance footprint by acquiring 60% of Kyodai, strengthening its position in Japan's growing $6B+ outbound market.

Euronet's strategic acquisition of a 60% stake in Kyodai Remittance represents a significant expansion of its Ria Money Transfer business in the lucrative Japanese market. This transaction has several positive implications for Euronet's competitive positioning in global remittances.

The deal builds upon an existing 15-year partnership and grants Euronet immediate access to Kyodai's 17 owned stores, agent network, mobile app, and critically, integration with 44,000 ATMs across Japan Post Bank and Lawson Bank locations. This extensive ATM network represents an exceptional distribution advantage in a market that still values physical transaction points.

Particularly valuable is Kyodai's Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider license, which permits high-value transactions exceeding JPY 1 million (~$6,800). This regulatory approval is difficult to obtain independently and provides a significant competitive advantage in servicing higher-value remittances, which typically generate better margins.

The timing is strategically sound, capitalizing on Japan's demographic shift. With 144,000 new immigrants entering Japan in 2022 (55% being labor migrants) and a 150% year-over-year increase, the remittance corridor is expanding rapidly. The $6.07 billion in outbound remittances from Japan in 2024 positions the country among Asia's top third sending markets, representing a substantial revenue opportunity.

This acquisition strengthens Euronet's omnichannel strategy by combining physical locations with digital capabilities, allowing customers to access Ria's network of 624,000 locations, 4 billion bank accounts, 3.2 billion digital wallets, and Visa debit cards globally. The vertical integration should improve operational efficiency while expanding the customer base.

Ria will add 17 Kyodai-owned stores, agents and mobile app in Japan to its global footprint, enabling people to send money from a vast country-wide network of more than 44,000 ATMs in Japan Post Bank and Lawson Bank locations

BUENA PARK, Calif., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ria Money Transfer (Ria), a global leader in the cross-border money transfer industry and a business segment of Euronet (NASDAQ: EEFT), today announced that it has become the majority shareholder through the acquisition of 60% of the shares of Unidos Co., Ltd., widely recognized by customers as Kyodai Remittance, a Japan-based funds transfer business and overseas remittance specialist. Leveraging Kyodai’s deep market insight, nuanced understanding of local customer needs and its distinction as the first remittance operator in Japan to be granted a Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider license—enabling the processing of high-value transactions exceeding JPY 1 million (approximately USD $6,800)—Ria is set to expand its footprint across the Asia Pacific region.

Ria and Kyodai have maintained a close and collaborative relationship since 2010. Over the past 15 years, the companies have leveraged their omnichannel strategies to deliver a seamless and integrated customer experience across multiple touchpoints in Japan, such as 44,000 ATMs in Japan Post Bank and Lawson Bank locations nationwide. With the acquisition of a majority stake, Ria will now fully integrate Kyodai’s operations, including its digital products, and provide customers access to its expansive global network of more than 624,000 locations, 4 billion bank accounts, 3.2 billion digital wallets, and Visa debit cards worldwide.

This acquisition comes amid significant demographic changes in Japan that are reshaping both its society and economy. According to the latest International Migration Outlook report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 144,000 new immigrants moved to Japan on a long-term or permanent basis in 2022, with 55% of them being labor migrants. The top three nationalities were Vietnam, China and Indonesia, reflecting a 150% increase compared to the previous year. This labor market transformation has also impacted the remittance sector. According to the World Bank Group, more than USD $6.07 billion was paid in personal remittances from Japan in 2024, ranking among the top third sending countries in Asia.

“Kyodai’s success has always been rooted in our values, principles and the unwavering dedication of our employees,” said Yuichiro Kimoto, Chief Executive Officer of Kyodai Remittance. “This new chapter with Ria will allow us to scale further by tapping into a world-class global network, ultimately enhancing our service offering and creating more value for our customers.”

“Ria and Kyodai’s 15-year partnership has thrived because we share a common mission and values,” said Shawn Fielder, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ria. “Together, we remain committed to delivering secure, convenient, and customer-focused money transfer solutions. By joining forces, we are well-positioned to make an even greater impact on the lives of people in Japan and the communities we serve worldwide.”

About Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer, a business segment of Euronet (NASDAQ: EEFT), delivers innovative financial services including fast, secure, and affordable global money transfers. With the world’s largest cross border real-time money movement network, Ria moves money where it matters.

Bridging the gap between digital and physical spaces, Ria’s omnichannel products and services provide unprecedented consumer choice, including real-time payments, mobile wallets, currency exchange, home delivery, and cardless ATM payouts. Ria’s global infrastructure, powered by the Dandelion real-time, cross-border payments network, facilitates financial access to customers, agents and partners alike. By creating new market opportunities and promoting economic growth around the world, Ria opens ways for a better everyday life.

Media Contact

Maria Adriana Colella
Ria Communications Manager
mcolella@riamoneytransfer.com

FAQ

What percentage stake did Ria Money Transfer acquire in Kyodai Remittance (NASDAQ: EEFT)?

Ria Money Transfer acquired a 60% majority stake in Unidos Co., Ltd. (Kyodai Remittance), becoming the majority shareholder.

How many ATM locations will Ria Money Transfer gain access to in Japan through this acquisition?

The acquisition provides access to over 44,000 ATMs through Japan Post Bank and Lawson Bank locations across Japan.

What is the significance of Kyodai's Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider license?

The license enables Kyodai to process high-value transactions exceeding JPY 1 million (approximately USD $6,800), making it the first remittance operator in Japan with this capability.

How large is the Japanese remittance market according to the World Bank Group?

According to the World Bank Group, Japan's personal remittances totaled USD $6.07 billion in 2024, ranking among the top third sending countries in Asia.

What is the size of Ria's global network after the Kyodai acquisition?

Ria's network includes 624,000 locations, access to 4 billion bank accounts, 3.2 billion digital wallets, and Visa debit cards worldwide.

How many physical stores does Kyodai Remittance operate in Japan?

Kyodai Remittance operates 17 owned stores across Japan, along with agents and a mobile app.