STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 25, 2002
TOKYO -- The Japan Debit Card Promotion Association has decided to allow participating retailers to hire data-processing agents, so that smaller retailers without sufficient computer systems will be able to offer debit-card shopping.
According to the Nikkei Financial Daily, 12 companies including NTT Data Corp., Nippon Shinpan Co. and a JCB Co. affiliate have applied to be registered as agents. Some will begin operating in April, and by October all are expected to be in business.
The debit-card system had previously required adequate computer systems for immediate payment settlements. Agents will serve as go-betweens for financial institutions and member companies, handling daily tasks such as notification of transaction data and billing on behalf of retailers in exchange for commissions.
