KONA I & IDEX Biometrics to bring biometric smart cards in Japan

By Gloria Mathias

IDEX Biometrics and KONA I have partnered to deploy biometric payment and access cards in Japan. KONA I expect banks to begin offering high-technology biometric cards to consumers in the second half of 2024.

In response to the growing demand for cybersecurity solutions by governments and public and private sector entities, KONA I and IDEX Biometrics will bring secure ID and biometric payment card solutions to the market. The KONA I and IDEX Biometrics smart card platforms provide the cybersecurity market with an end-to-end authentication platform focused on digital security and compatible with standard protocols such as FIDO2, as well as biometric payment cards. Both solutions are designed to deliver an optimal customer experience and security.

KONA I is a global smart card and technology platform headquartered in South Korea, manufacturing smart card products with an annual production capacity of more than 60 million cards. The fast-growing market in Japan is set to reach 30% of KONA I’s business by 2025.  

Asia, including Japan, is leading the way for fingerprint biometric innovation in the payments industry, with a high penetration rate of contactless payments.

“The partnership with IDEX Biometrics enables us to react to the fast-growing demand for biometric smart cards in Japan,” said Koichiro Sasai, Head of KONA Japan LLC, a subsidiary of KONA I. “We are proud to offer bank customers in Japan the most innovative access and payment solutions. There is a very strong demand from affluent customers who seek the highest security and unparalleled value and user experiences, as offered by biometric metal cards.”

“We are excited to enter Japan with technology innovations that meet the needs for increased cyber security together with KONA I,” said Catharina Eklof, Chief Commercial Officer at IDEX Biometrics. “Through this partnership with KONA I, we are bringing relevant solutions to the growing demand for frictionless payments and smart card solutions, enabling banks in Japan to differentiate and support loyalty and trust with their customers.”