IDEX Biometrics, a fingerprint sensor manufacturer, is expanding its partnership with KONA I, a provider of smart card solutions to jointly introduce biometric card solutions (especially metal cards) in Japan.

The cards will be compatible with standard protocols such as FIDO2, and the companies plan to roll them out in 2H 2024.

Analyst QuickTake: The two companies partnered last October to introduce biometric payment cards in both recycled PVC and metal formats for banking clients across the globe. Notably, IDEX has also established multiple partnerships in the recent past to encourage the use of biometric payment solutions in the Asian region. This includes partnering with Bangladesh’s EBL and receiving an initial order for IDEX Pay from an undisclosed smart card manufacturer in Asia in November. Additionally, it partnered with Taiwanese Beautiful Card Corporation and Hong Kong’s Goldpac Fintech in July.