TSYS will provide processing and back-office operation services for SSNB to issue cards to consumers, including retail membership cards, a proprietary private-label credit card and association-branded credit cards.

As an internet-based bank, SSNB has more than 750,000 accounts and plans to use its partnership with TSYS as a means to aggressively expand its card business.

"SBI Sumishin Net Bank leads the Japanese internet banking market with its innovative products and services," said Gaylon Jowers, president of TSYS International. "TSYS is delighted to offer a full range of support for SSNB's entry into the card business, in both system processing and back-office operations."

"As a newcomer in the cards industry, we found confidence in TSYS' partnership approach to the business," said Tohru Nitadori, general manager of SBI Sumishin Net Bank's card business division. "The dependability of TSYS' processing platform will enable us to concentrate on new cardholder acquisition and new program introduction, and we look forward to calling on TSYS for its extensive knowledge and expertise in day-to-day operational matters including call center operations."

"We believe the value of outsourcing has been proven time and time again in the Japanese card industry," said Hitoshi Kondo, managing director of TSYS Japan. "We are strongly committed to our Japanese team and support its mission to meet the increased needs and expectation of clients."

A conversion is expected in April of 2010.