What does the future hold for the intersection of banking and crypto?
Nagatomo: Could you tell us about the services offered by Fintech4x (hereafter referred to as F4X)?
Nicolas: F4X is the first digital bank in Dubai. Naturally, as a bank, it offers standard banking services such as deposits and transfers. Additionally, it supports the use of cryptocurrencies. A key feature of our service is the ability to use a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing users to swap (exchange) between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies within their accounts.
Nagatomo: I see. That’s an innovative approach. What types of currencies do you support?
Nicolas: For fiat currencies, we support AED, USD, EUR, and GBP. For cryptocurrencies, we support USDT (ERC-20), BTC, and ETH.
Nagatomo: Currently, in Japan, currencies pegged to the US dollar, such as USDT, are not available for trading on domestic exchanges, making it possible to purchase them elsewhere. If Japanese residents can purchase USDT through F4X, even though they are limited to domestic exchanges, it could have a significant impact on the Japanese market. Is it possible for Japanese residents to open an account with F4X?
Eman: Of course, Japanese individuals can open an account with F4X while residing in Japan. Both individuals and corporations can use our services. However, as Nicolas mentioned earlier, we currently do not support Japanese yen. Therefore, when transferring funds from a Japanese bank to F4X, the transfer would need to be made in USD or another supported currency.
Nagatomo: Even so, having the option to purchase USDT through a legitimate route expands our choices. For example, families with children studying abroad could use cryptocurrency for remittances, swap it to the local currency, and withdraw it. This would allow for quick transfers without incurring significant fees.
Nicolas: Exactly. Additionally, we offer a VISA debit card, which allows for shopping at VISA-affiliated merchants and withdrawing local currency from ATMs during international travel.
Nagatomo: Lately, it seems like foreign currencies are in short supply at airports and exchange counters in the city. In particular, Dirhams (AED) are rarely handled within Japan. When I arrived at Dubai Airport this time, I exchanged Japanese yen for Dirhams, but the exchange rate was very unfavorable.
Nicolas: That kind of issue will be resolved in the future. We are also planning to roll out credit card and loan services gradually, so please look forward to them.
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Interview Iolite FACE vol.14 Charles Hoskinson, founder and CEO of Cardano/Input Output Global
PHOTO & INTERVIEW Mariko Mabuchi
Special feature: "Considerations on cryptocurrency-related policies in Japan and the US", "Blockchain guide from Japan", "Huge position liquidation occurs at Hyperliquid! A new, unanticipated crisis in decentralized finance", "Sakana AI, a generative AI startup from Japan that is attracting a lot of attention", "Prepare for a recession: correlation between finance and anomalies"
Crypto Journey: "Web 3.0 from the perspective of the 'King of Debate'" Interview with Hiroyuki
Special series: Virtual Nishi: "Cryptocurrency market trends and key points for interpreting them"
Series: Tech and Future Toshinao Sasaki, etc.
MAGAZINE
Iolite Vol.14
July 2025 issueReleased on 2025/05/30
Interview Iolite FACE vol.14 Charles Hoskinson, founder and CEO of Cardano/Input Output Global
PHOTO & INTERVIEW Mariko Mabuchi
Special feature: "Considerations on cryptocurrency-related policies in Japan and the US", "Blockchain guide from Japan", "Huge position liquidation occurs at Hyperliquid! A new, unanticipated crisis in decentralized finance", "Sakana AI, a generative AI startup from Japan that is attracting a lot of attention", "Prepare for a recession: correlation between finance and anomalies"
Crypto Journey: "Web 3.0 from the perspective of the 'King of Debate'" Interview with Hiroyuki
Special series: Virtual Nishi: "Cryptocurrency market trends and key points for interpreting them"
Series: Tech and Future Toshinao Sasaki, etc.