NEW YORK — April 1, 2026
Executive Summary
Rain has announced a strategic long-term partnership with Episode Six to support the expansion of its stablecoin-powered card programs, beginning with a focused rollout across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Under the agreement, Episode Six will serve as a key processing partner for Rain’s credit, debit, and prepaid card programs across multiple networks and geographies.
The partnership is aligned with Rain’s broader objective of building a globally distributed, enterprise-grade payments platform, while leveraging Episode Six’s deep local infrastructure and network integrations across APAC markets. The collaboration also reflects increasing demand for stablecoin-powered payment solutions, particularly in cross-border and treasury applications, where scalable infrastructure and compliance readiness are critical to deployment and growth.
Announcement Overview
Rain, a provider of enterprise infrastructure for stablecoin-based payments, has entered into a long-term partnership with Episode Six, a global payment technology company specializing in card issuing and processing systems. The agreement establishes Episode Six as a core processing partner for Rain’s card programs, including credit, debit, and prepaid offerings, across multiple markets and payment networks.
The partnership begins with a strategic focus on Asia-Pacific, a region identified by both companies as a high-growth market for stablecoin payment adoption. Episode Six brings to the partnership its established infrastructure footprint across APAC, including local deployments and integrations with payment schemes, which are intended to support Rain’s expansion into the region.
The announcement follows Rain’s recent expansion of its Visa Membership into APAC, reinforcing its commitment to building a platform capable of supporting enterprise card programs globally. Through the collaboration, Rain’s clients gain access to in-market processing capabilities, Visa-certified infrastructure, and systems designed to support high-volume, cross-border payment flows.
Key Announcement Details
Partnership Structure, Positioning, and Foundational Role
- Announcement Type: Strategic long-term partnership between Rain and Episode Six
- Announcement Date: April 1, 2026
- Partnership Positioning: Episode Six designated as a key processing partner and foundational processing partner for Rain’s regional and global expansion
- Partnership Objective: Support Rain’s expansion, product scalability, and infrastructure standardization across regions
- Processing Scope: Covers Rain’s credit, debit, and prepaid card programs
- Network Coverage: Operates across multiple payment networks and geographies
- Infrastructure Foundation: Built on Episode Six’s deep local infrastructure across Asia-Pacific and network integrations
- Program Enablement Goal: Ensure every program is powered by infrastructure optimized for its specific region and use case
Asia-Pacific Expansion Focus and Market Drivers
- Initial Expansion Region: Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- Expansion Phase: Partnership begins with APAC rollout as the first stage
- Regional Demand Indicator: APAC identified as the fastest-growing region for stablecoin payment volume
- Primary Growth Drivers:
- Cross-border B2B settlement
- Corporate treasury management
- Market Condition Insight: Demand for stablecoin-powered payments is growing rapidly in APAC
- Operational Requirement Highlighted: Reliable local infrastructure determines whether programs scale successfully or stall
- Regional Infrastructure Depth: Episode Six operates deep local infrastructure and integrations across APAC markets
- Cloud Infrastructure Presence: More than 10 cloud instances across APAC
- Local Deployment Capability: Infrastructure deployed across key high-growth markets in the region
Rain Expansion Context and Platform Strategy
- Recent Strategic Development: Expansion of Rain’s Visa Membership into APAC
- Platform Vision: Build a best-in-class, globally distributed platform for enterprise card programs
- Strategic Commitment: Ongoing investment in global expansion and infrastructure scalability
- Client Enablement: Provide access to:
- In-market solutions
- Visa-certified processing
- Scalable infrastructure
- Program Scalability Objective: Enable seamless expansion across global digital payments corridors
Infrastructure Capabilities and Processing Technology
- Processing Provider: Episode Six delivering enterprise-grade card issuing and processing infrastructure
- Technology Type: Programmable money technology
- Configuration Capabilities Include:
- Fees
- Foreign exchange (FX) rules
- Risk thresholds
- Spend controls
- Platform Architecture: API-first infrastructure platform
- System Design Components:
- Custom-built banking core
- Ledger systems
- Data models
- Integration Capabilities:
- Scheme integrations
- Network connectivity
- Operational Capability: Supports multi-currency, cross-border, high-volume programs
- Infrastructure Advantage: Removes constraints associated with legacy processing systems and middleware inefficiencies
Deployment, Compliance, and Localization Capabilities
- Compliance Readiness: Infrastructure designed for regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- Localization Capability: Supports market-specific deployment requirements
- Deployment Efficiency: Enables transition from program design to live deployment without rebuilding systems
- Operational Uniformity: Supports consistent product and operational structure across regions
- Regulatory Alignment: Built to operate in compliance with local requirements from day one
Client-Level Benefits and Program Flexibility
- Client Access: Rain’s clients gain access to:
- Local infrastructure
- In-market processing solutions
- Visa-certified systems
- Customization Capability: Full control over program parameters via API configuration
- Business Model Alignment: Programs can be tailored to specific enterprise use cases
- Scalability Benefit: Infrastructure supports expansion without operational disruption
- Cross-Border Capability: Enables seamless operation across global payment corridors
- Deployment Advantage: Accelerates time-to-market for new card programs
Episode Six Platform Capabilities and Global Operations
- Global Reach: Operates across 50+ countries
- Enterprise Customer Base: Supports 70+ enterprise customers globally
- Customer Segments: Banks, fintech companies, and brands
- Geographic Presence: Teams located across:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Australia
- India
- Infrastructure Role: Serves as the banking backbone for modern financial products
- Functional Capabilities:
- Card issuing infrastructure
- Ledger systems
- Multi-currency program support
- Investor Base: Includes:
- HSBC
- Mastercard
- SBI Investment Co Ltd
- Anthos Capital
- Avenir
- Japan Airlines
Rain Platform Capabilities and Global Reach
- Platform Type: Global stablecoin payments platform
- Target Customers: Enterprises, neobanks, platforms, and developers
- Core Capabilities:
- Move stablecoins
- Store stablecoins
- Use stablecoins
- Product Channels Include:
- Payment cards
- Rewards
- Wallets
- On/off-ramps
- Cross-border rails
- Merchant Acceptance: Cards accepted at 150 million+ merchants
- Geographic Coverage: Operates across 150 countries
- Customer Base: Trusted by 200+ organizations worldwide
- Technology Design: Built natively for stablecoin-based financial operations
- Operational Focus: Secure, scalable, and compliant financial infrastructure
Strategic Timing and Industry Context
- Timing Alignment: Partnership timed to meet rapidly growing demand for stablecoin payments in APAC
- Industry Trend: Increasing adoption of stablecoin-powered payment systems
- Use Case Expansion: Growth in enterprise applications such as:
- Cross-border settlement
- Treasury operations
- Infrastructure Need: Demand for scalable, compliant, and locally deployed systems
Leadership Statements and Strategic Messaging
- Rain Leadership Focus:
- Need for scalable infrastructure
- Importance of local presence
- Flexibility for future program development
- Expansion across markets and networks
- Episode Six Leadership Focus:
- Supporting high-volume, cross-border programs
- Enabling compliance from initial deployment
- Long-term partnership extending beyond APAC
Long-Term Roadmap and Partnership Evolution
- Initial Phase: Asia-Pacific expansion
- Future Expansion:
- Additional markets
- Additional networks
- Expanded program types
- Strategic Role of Episode Six: Central infrastructure provider supporting ongoing growth
- Operational Objective: Ensure programs:
- Launch quickly
- Perform reliably
- Reach intended markets
- Partnership Vision: Build a flexible, scalable global stablecoin payments ecosystem
Additional Operational and Ecosystem Details
- Infrastructure Purpose: Enable efficient, scalable solutions across:
- Lending
- Payments
- Deposit operations
- System Efficiency Goal: Eliminate inefficiencies associated with legacy banking systems
- Platform Capability Extension: Supports API-based loan origination partnerships and financial product innovation
- Balance Sheet Role: Ability to support lenders through debt financing and loan purchases
Expansion Strategy and Regional Focus on Asia-Pacific
The partnership is designed to support Rain’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, which has emerged as a key growth area for stablecoin payment activity. According to the company, APAC represents the fastest-growing region for stablecoin payment volume, with strong demand driven by cross-border B2B settlement and corporate treasury management use cases.
Rain’s entry into APAC builds on its existing platform capabilities and is supported by Episode Six’s regional infrastructure presence, which includes more than 10 cloud instances across APAC and local deployments in key markets. This infrastructure provides the technical and regulatory foundation required to launch payment programs in multiple jurisdictions without requiring redevelopment for each market.
The partnership addresses the operational challenges associated with expanding into diverse regulatory environments, enabling Rain’s clients to deploy card programs that are aligned with local compliance requirements, while maintaining a consistent operational framework across regions.
Infrastructure Capabilities and Processing Integration
Episode Six will provide the core processing infrastructure for Rain’s card programs, enabling functionality across multiple networks and geographies. Its platform is designed to support multi-currency, cross-border transactions, and integrates with payment schemes to facilitate seamless card program execution.
A key component of the partnership is Episode Six’s programmable money technology, which allows for the configuration of financial parameters at a granular level. This includes:
- Fee structures
- Foreign exchange (FX) rules
- Risk thresholds
- Spend controls
This level of configurability enables Rain’s enterprise clients to design card programs tailored to their specific business models and the regulatory requirements of each market in which they operate.
The infrastructure also supports rapid deployment, allowing clients to move from program design to live implementation without rebuilding systems for each new geography.
API-Driven Platform and Program Flexibility
Episode Six’s platform operates on an API-first architecture, providing Rain with the ability to manage and configure card programs dynamically. This architecture supports:
- Real-time updates to program parameters
- Integration with external systems and partners
- Scalability across multiple regions and networks
The flexibility of the platform is particularly relevant for clients operating in multi-jurisdictional environments, where regulatory requirements and market conditions may vary significantly.
By eliminating the constraints associated with legacy processing systems, the partnership enables Rain to deliver card programs that are adaptable to evolving market needs while maintaining operational consistency.
Leadership Commentary and Strategic Alignment
Charles Yoo-Naut, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Rain, stated:
“As we expand into Asia-Pacific and scale our programs across additional markets and networks, having processing infrastructure that can grow with us is essential. Episode Six brings exactly what we need, with local presence in the markets that matter, proven execution at scale, and a platform flexible enough to support whatever we build next.”
John Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of Episode Six, added:
“Rain is setting the standard for stablecoin-powered card programs globally, and we are proud to be the infrastructure partner powering that expansion in Asia-Pacific. Our local infrastructure, scheme integrations, and purpose-built platform are designed for programs that need to operate at high volume, across borders, and in compliance with local requirements from day one. APAC is where we are starting, but the scope of what we are building with Rain extends well beyond this single region.”
Operational Impact for Enterprise Clients
The partnership expands the capabilities available to enterprises building on Rain’s platform by introducing additional processing options optimized for specific regions and use cases. This enables:
- Localized program deployment
- Improved compliance alignment
- Enhanced scalability across markets
Rain’s enterprise clients benefit from access to infrastructure that supports high-volume transaction processing, while maintaining the flexibility to customize program features according to their operational requirements.
The integration of Episode Six’s infrastructure also enhances Rain’s ability to deliver consistent user experiences across multiple markets, ensuring that card programs function reliably regardless of geographic location.
Global Processing Reach and Network Integration
Episode Six operates across more than 50 countries, providing card issuing and ledger infrastructure to banks, fintech companies, and enterprise clients. Its platform supports:
- Multi-currency transactions
- Cross-border payment flows
- Integration with major payment networks
The company’s infrastructure is designed to support programs operating across some of the most active digital payment corridors globally, enabling clients to manage complex financial operations within a unified system.
For Rain, the partnership enhances its ability to deliver card programs that operate seamlessly across networks and jurisdictions, supporting its objective of building a globally distributed payments platform.
Stablecoin Payments Growth and Use Case Expansion
The partnership is aligned with broader trends in the adoption of stablecoin-based financial systems, particularly in applications such as:
- Cross-border business payments
- Corporate treasury management
- Digital asset settlement
These use cases require infrastructure that can support instant transactions, regulatory compliance, and high-volume processing, all of which are addressed through the integration of Episode Six’s platform.
Rain’s technology enables partners to move, store, and use stablecoins through various channels, including:
- Payment cards
- Wallets
- On/off-ramps
- Cross-border rails
The partnership strengthens these capabilities by providing the processing infrastructure needed to support program execution at scale.
Long-Term Partnership Scope and Future Expansion
While the initial focus of the partnership is on Asia-Pacific, both companies have indicated that the collaboration is intended to extend beyond a single region. The long-term roadmap includes:
- Expansion into additional markets
- Integration across multiple payment networks
- Development of new program types
Episode Six is expected to play a central role in supporting these initiatives, providing the infrastructure necessary to ensure that programs launched by Rain are:
- Deployed efficiently
- Operated reliably
- Scaled effectively across regions
The partnership reflects a broader strategy by Rain to assemble a network of infrastructure providers capable of supporting its vision for global stablecoin payments adoption.
About Rain
Rain is a global platform that provides infrastructure for stablecoin-powered payments. The company serves enterprises, neobanks, platforms, and developers, enabling them to build and operate financial products that incorporate stablecoins.
Rain’s technology supports the movement, storage, and use of stablecoins through a range of services, including:
- Global payment cards
- Rewards systems
- Wallets
- On/off-ramps
- Cross-border payment rails
The company issues cards that are accepted at over 150 million merchants across 150 countries, providing a broad network for transaction processing. Rain’s platform is designed to deliver secure and scalable infrastructure, supporting more than 200 organizations worldwide.
About Episode Six
Episode Six is a provider of enterprise-grade card issuing and ledger infrastructure for financial institutions, fintech companies, and brands. The company’s platform is designed to support organizations seeking to develop and operate modern financial products.
Episode Six operates in more than 50 countries and serves over 70 enterprise customers globally. Its infrastructure is built to provide:
- Flexibility in program design
- Adaptability to market requirements
- Resilience in high-volume environments
The company maintains a global presence with teams located in:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Australia
- India
Episode Six is supported by investors including HSBC, Mastercard, SBI Investment Co Ltd, Anthos Capital, Avenir, and Japan Airlines.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit rain.xyz.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement