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JAKARTA, Indonesia and Japan have officially launched a cross-border QR code payment system, allowing consumers in both countries to make seamless transactions in rupiah or yen without the need for currency exchange. The initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening financial integration between two of Asia’s largest economies. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo, left, and Ueda Hajime, a Japanese senior diplomat for economi and development affairs, count down the launch of the Indonesia-Japan QRIS digital payment system in Jakarta, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The system, which uses the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) in Indonesia, went live on August 17, 2025. It enables travellers and businesses to conduct instant digital payments by simply scanning a QR code, streamlining cross-border spending. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said the collaboration builds on similar arrangements Indonesia has already established with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. “Indonesian tourists in Japan no longer need to carry cash in rupiah or yen. With just their mobile phone, they can scan and pay – whether in Shibuya or Okachimachi,” Perry noted during the launch event in Jakarta. He emphasized that the system not only improves convenience but also enhances security and efficiency in digital transactions, contributing to broader economic and financial connectivity. Japan’s Commitment to Regional Financial Links Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in supporting Asia’s expanding trade and financial flows. “As cross-border transactions grow, reliable and efficient payment infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. This initiative represents a step toward deeper economic integration, making trade and services between Japan and Indonesia more dynamic,” Kato said. The rollout of the Indonesia-Japan QR payment link is expected to boost tourism, business activity, and long-term cooperation in the region’s fast-evolving digital economy.

TOKYO/BERLIN, The pension trust of Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE) said it plans to sell its 3.8% stake in Nissan Motor (7201.T), worth around $346 million, a move that is expected to add further pressure on the Japanese automaker’s already weakened share price. Nissan, Japan’s third-largest carmaker, has seen its shares tumble about 24% so far this year, dragged down by declining sales, restructuring efforts, and the impact of U.S. tariffs. The divestment comes as investors increasingly question the outlook for the company’s turnaround strategy, which involves cutting costs through plant closures both at home and abroad in a bid to restore profitability. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the Nissan shares, which were transferred to its pension fund in 2016, are no longer considered strategically important. The divestment, the spokesperson said, is part of an effort to streamline and clean up the portfolio. The share offering will be priced between 337.5 yen and 345 yen per share, representing a discount of 4.96% to 7.02% against Nissan’s closing price of 363 yen on Monday, according to the term sheet. Pricing is scheduled to be finalized before the Tokyo Stock Exchange opens on Tuesday, with settlement expected on Thursday. Nissan, which sold its own 1.5% stake in then-Daimler AG back in 2021 to raise funds amid financial strain, did not immediately comment on the sale.

U.S. beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has agreed to acquire JDE Peet’s, the world’s largest pure-play coffee company, in an $18 billion deal that marks Europe’s biggest acquisition in more than two years. The move positions Keurig to go head-to-head with market leader Nestlé in the global coffee sector. The agreement, announced Monday, values JDE Peet’s at a 20% premium over its last closing price and will see the Dutch company delisted from Amsterdam’s stock exchange. Following the acquisition, Keurig plans to separate its beverage and coffee operations into two new U.S.-listed companies: Global Coffee Co and Beverage Co. Strategic Impact The merger is expected to generate $400 million in annual cost savings and strengthen both companies against challenges from rising tariffs on coffee imports and ongoing trade tensions. Analysts estimate the combined coffee business will rival Nestlé’s, each holding roughly 20% of the global packaged coffee market. The deal comes as coffee prices hit record highs, fueled by droughts in Brazil and Vietnam and the U.S. decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian beans. Keurig’s strong footprint in North America will be paired with JDE Peet’s dominant position in Europe, providing a platform for growth in emerging markets where coffee demand is accelerating. “Bringing these two coffee businesses together reduces JDE Peet’s reliance on Europe while giving Keurig global exposure,” said Jon Cox, an analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux. Post-Acquisition Structure The separation of Keurig’s businesses effectively unwinds part of the 2018 merger that created Keurig Dr Pepper by combining Keurig Green Mountain with Dr Pepper Snapple. Global Coffee Co, with around $16 billion in annual net sales, will focus on the $400 billion global coffee market. Beverage Co, generating more than $11 billion annually, will target the $300 billion North American refreshment drinks market. The two entities will be led by Keurig CEO Bob Cofer and CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, respectively. Market Reaction Shares of JDE Peet’s surged 17.5%, their biggest single-day gain on record, while Keurig’s shares slipped about 7% in U.S. trading. At Friday’s close, JDE Peet’s was valued at €12.76 billion, while Keurig’s market cap stood at around $48 billion, according to LSEG data. JDE Peet’s, whose brands include Jacobs, L’Or, Tassimo, and Douwe Egberts, is majority-owned by JAB Holding, the investment firm of Germany’s billionaire Reimann family. JAB has committed to tendering its 68% stake in JDE Peet’s. The firm also owns a 4.4% stake in Keurig and will hold nearly 5% in each of the two new entities once the deal and split are completed. Timeline The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, with the spin-off into two separate companies planned by the end of that year. ($1 = €0.8544)

KUCHING, Affin Group and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide RM500 million in financing aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as mid-tier companies (MTCs) across Malaysia. The collaboration represents a major step forward in both organisations’ efforts to expand financing opportunities for businesses nationwide. By focusing on financial inclusion and sustainable growth, the partnership seeks to address funding gaps, empower businesses to scale and innovate, and strengthen their role in driving Malaysia’s economic development. Through the MoU, Affin and CGC will introduce a broad suite of financing options, including guarantee-backed facilities for established companies, customised funding for start-ups and early-stage ventures, and working capital solutions to improve cash flow. The initiative also supports Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon economy by promoting sustainable financing practices. Importantly, the programme aims to reach underserved and underbanked segments, ensuring that more entrepreneurs across different regions, including Sarawak and Sabah, gain access to much-needed financial resources. Affin Group president and group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the partnership underlines Affin’s long-term commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable growth while contributing to national development. “By leveraging our combined strengths, we are not only widening access to financing but also providing innovative solutions that help MSMEs and MTCs grow, compete, and thrive. This MoU reflects our commitment to empower the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and create lasting value for businesses, communities, and the nation,” he said. Speaking at a press conference, Wan Razly noted that the RM500 million allocation serves as a starting point to meet the needs of the fast-growing MSME sector and could be increased if demand requires. Although the programme is structured as a five-year initiative, he expressed optimism that the funds could be fully disbursed within just three years. Meanwhile, CGC president and group CEO Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak highlighted the importance of extending financing access nationwide, with a strong focus on Sabah and Sarawak. “While our mandate covers the whole country, signing this agreement in Kuching demonstrates the potential we see in Sarawak and Sabah. We are committed to expanding financing access and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local enterprises,” he said. The MoU was signed by Datuk Wan Razly, Affin Islamic Bank Bhd CEO Datuk Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin, and Datuk Mohd Zamree, with Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar witnessing the ceremony.