Kyodai Joins the Ria Family: A New Chapter for Remittances in Japan

Recently, we were thrilled to announce that Kyodai Remittance is now officially part of the Ria Money Transfer family! Ria’s acquisition of Kyodai marks a major step forward in our mission to make money transfers more accessible, secure, convenient, and customer-focused—especially for the vibrant and burgeoning migrant communities in Japan.

But what exactly does Ria’s acquisition of Kyodai Remittance really mean and how can it help our money transfer service?

A Strategic Leap into Japan’s Remittance Market

Japan’s remittance market is one of the most dynamic in Asia, with over $6 billion sent abroad in 2024 alone. As migration patterns shift and labor markets evolve, the need for more reliable and inclusive financial services has never been greater.

Ria’s acquisition of Kyodai allows us to expand our footprint in Asia-Pacific by becoming the majority shareholder of Unidos, the company behind Kyodai Remittance. With this move, we’re not just growing our network—we’re deepening our commitment to the communities we serve.

Ria Money Transfer: A Global Giant with Local Ambitions

Ria has come a long way since our founding in 1987. Today, we operate in over 190 countries with more than 624,000 locations worldwide, and our services include everything from cash pickups and bank deposits to mobile wallets and cardless ATM withdrawals. Whether online, at our stores, or through our app, we’re focused on making money transfers convenient, secure, and easy.

Additionally, we’re also proud to be part of Euronet Worldwide, a global leader in payments processing and cross-border transactions. This confident backing allows us at Ria to innovate and scale our money transfer services to meet the evolving needs of our customers, especially in high-demand corridors, such as Japan to the Philippines.

But what truly sets us apart from the competition is who we are and what drives us: We were founded by migrants, for migrants. It’s a spirit that continues to guide everything we do.

Kyodai Remittance: Japan’s Trusted Name in Cross-Border Transfers

Kyodai Remittance has been a pillar of trust in Japan’s remittance landscape since its founding in 2000. As the first company in Japan to receive a Type 1 Funds Transfer Service Provider license, which they achieved in March 2023, Kyodai has led the way in offering high-value transactions over ¥1 million (about $6,800 USD).

Furthermore, with 17 stores, a strong agent network, and a multilingual team representing 16 nationalities, Kyodai has built deep ties with Japan’s migrant communities. Their “Family to Family” mission resonates deeply with our own values, making this partnership a natural fit.

What Ria’s Acquisition of Kyodai Really Means

A 15-Year Partnership Comes Full Circle

Ria and Kyodai have worked together for over 15 years, building a relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared goals. Ria’s acquisition of Kyodai is the culmination of that journey—a celebration of everything we’ve achieved together and a taste of what’s to come next.

What’s Changing and What’s Staying the Same

At Ria we’re integrating Kyodai’s operations into our global platform, which means customers will benefit from expanded services, improved pricing, and greater reach. But despite the changes, the current Kyodai team isn’t going anywhere. It’s important that their dedication, expertise, and customer-first approach remain at the heart of everything we do.

For example, take customers who regularly send money to the Philippines: this integration means more convenience and better rates. Whether you’re using Kyodai’s mobile app or using Ria’s money transfer services, sending money to loved ones has never been easier.

Why Japan? The Market That’s Ripe for Disruption

A $6 Billion Opportunity

Undeniably, Japan’s remittance market is growing rapidly, driven by a surge in labor migration. In 2022 alone, 144,000 new immigrants arrived in Japan, a 150% increase compared to 2021. Many of these migrants come from countries like Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. These demographic shifts are reshaping the economy—and, inevitably, the remittance sector.

Kyodai’s Local Edge Meets Ria’s Global Reach

Together, we’re combining Kyodai’s deep local knowledge with Ria’s global infrastructure. That means access to 44,000 ATMs across Japan, seamless mobile and digital services, and a network that spans 4 billion bank accounts and 3.2 billion digital wallets worldwide, making international remittances easier and more accessible.

Ria’s Vision for Asia-Pacific

Ria’s acquisition of Kyodai is just the beginning. We’re committed to expanding across Asia-Pacific, bringing new services, partnerships, and innovations to the region. Our goal is simple: to make financial services more inclusive, more convenient, and more human.

A Win for Financial Inclusion

At Ria, we believe that access to financial inclusion is fundamental for many people across the globe. By joining forces with Kyodai, we’re making it easier for migrant workers to support their families, build their futures, and stay connected across borders.

Whether you want to send money to Philippines, India, or Latin America, our now expanded network ensures that your money gets where it needs to go—quickly, safely, and conveniently.

We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Kyodai team into the Ria family—and even more excited about what this means for our customers.

Visit the Kyodai website to learn more and stay tuned for more exciting updates.