Aptos and NETSTARS have entered into a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating the adoption of Web3-powered payment systems and stablecoin settlement solutions. The collaboration is expected to explore how blockchain-based payment infrastructure can be integrated with existing Web2 financial and commercial environments to improve transaction efficiency and expand digital payment capabilities.
The agreement establishes a framework for technical discussions and joint research between the two companies. Their efforts will focus on creating systems capable of linking decentralized payment technologies with traditional payment networks already used by merchants and consumers.
According to Aptos, the partnership is intended to support the development of infrastructure that can deliver fast and low-cost blockchain transactions while incorporating compliance features directly into payment processes. Suhan Zhao, head of Asia Pacific at Aptos, explained in a written statement that the company was collaborating with NETSTARS to help build payment infrastructure capable of enabling instant and cost-efficient blockchain transactions with embedded compliance mechanisms.
StarPay-X Initiative Connects Web2 and Web3
NETSTARS, a payment services provider recognized for its QR-code payment systems and digital payment transformation services, operates the multi-cashless payment platform known as StarPay. The company manages a variety of domestic and international payment methods through a centralized platform designed to simplify operations for merchants while encouraging broader adoption of cashless transactions.
The partnership with Aptos is closely tied to NETSTARS’ StarPay-X initiative, a project designed to bridge traditional Web2 financial ecosystems with emerging Web3 technologies. Through this concept, the company aims to provide users with greater flexibility by allowing them to choose from multiple payment methods depending on their needs and usage scenarios.
The collaboration is expected to create a payment framework that integrates blockchain-powered financial tools into existing commercial systems without replacing current cashless infrastructure. Instead, the initiative seeks to expand payment choices and improve interoperability between conventional and decentralized financial technologies.
NETSTARS explained that StarPay-X was being designed as an adaptable payment ecosystem rather than a platform dependent on a single blockchain network or Web3 service. Aptos is expected to contribute its high-throughput blockchain infrastructure and reliability features to support financial and enterprise-level applications connected to the initiative.
Read the full announcement 👇https://t.co/QwUspKvuil
— Aptos (@Aptos) May 8, 2026
Multi-Chain Development Remains a Priority
The companies also indicated that multi-chain functionality would play a significant role in future discussions. Their research is expected to examine how support for multiple blockchain networks could improve user accessibility, broaden payment service reach, and strengthen interoperability across various ecosystems.
Tsuyoshi Ri, president and chief executive officer of NETSTARS, stated in a written release that the company welcomed Aptos’ support for the StarPay-X vision. He added that the memorandum would serve as a foundation for deeper discussions surrounding multi-chain capabilities and the broader implementation of Web3 technologies in society.
Aptos x NETSTARS 🇯🇵
Aptos Foundation and NETSTARS, one of Japan's leading QR code payment providers, are exploring multi-chain payment enablement.
NETSTARS aims to bring instant, cost-efficient, and compliance-embedded stablecoin transactions to its merchant network via Aptos. pic.twitter.com/ko4teOeE6w
— Aptos (@Aptos) May 8, 2026
The partnership will also explore how NETSTARS’ payment products and related services can operate within the Aptos ecosystem to develop new financial applications and commercial opportunities. The companies believe these efforts could help introduce practical blockchain-based payment use cases to mainstream businesses and consumers.
Broader Implications for Web3 Payments
The collaboration reflects a growing industry trend in which blockchain companies and payment providers are working together to make stablecoin payments and decentralized financial services more accessible in everyday commerce. By combining NETSTARS’ experience in digital payment infrastructure with Aptos’ blockchain technology, the partnership aims to address challenges related to transaction speed, scalability, and real-world usability.
Aptos and NETSTARS are expected to focus on building infrastructure capable of supporting secure, scalable, and compliant Web3 payment services for both enterprises and consumers. Their joint research could eventually contribute to broader adoption of stablecoin settlement and blockchain-powered payment systems across global markets.
