Coupa and SMCC Launch B2B Virtual Cards in Japan
Virtual cards are transforming B2B procurement and payments by delivering enhanced security, improved control and streamlined efficiency across enterprises.
These digital payment solutions generate unique numbers for each transaction, minimising fraud risks while enabling automatic spending controls. Finance teams gain immediate expense visibility through detailed transaction data connecting directly to accounting platforms.
Enhanced procurement controls
The technology eliminates manual processes in transactions, accelerating approval workflows and improving vendor management through targeted card assignments and expenditure limits.
As remote operations increase and digital payments grow, virtual cards provide the flexibility modern finance teams need. Industry data shows 90% of procurement leaders currently use or express interest in virtual card technology.
Japan market expansion
Coupa announces its partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC) at Coupa Inspire Japan, marking a significant development for Japanese fintech.
"I am announcing a major milestone: Coupa and SMCC launch virtual card capabilities in Japan—making SMCC the first local issuer of Coupa Pay virtual cards in Japanese Yen," says Salvatore Lombardo, EVP, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Coupa.
SMCC, which introduced VISA Card to Japan, maintains market leadership in domestic credit cards as a strategic SMFG business unit, delivering targeted settlement and financing solutions.
AI-driven payment innovation
The partnership enhances B2B payments through innovative technology. Lombardo notes that secure, AI-native payments integrate into Japanese enterprises through Coupa's AP automation.
"This modernises B2B payments and accelerates digital transformation in the region," he says. "With enriched data, real-time controls and AI-powered insights, finance teams streamline supplier payments, reduce fraud and gain complete transaction visibility."
"We celebrate this vision with our customers and partners. Thank you Tokyo for an incredible event."
