Sony Bank, a subsidiary of Sony Financial Group and part of the larger Sony Group, plans to issue a USD-linked stablecoin by 2026. This new digital currency will enable payments across Sony’s entertainment ecosystem, including PlayStation games, subscriptions, streaming services, and anime content. The initiative marks a significant step into blockchain technology for one of the world’s leading entertainment companies.
The planned stablecoin will maintain a 1:1 value with the US dollar, offering users a stable digital payment option within Sony’s platforms. For Sony, which derives over 30% of its external revenue from the US market, this move presents an opportunity to reduce transaction costs and improve user experience. Users will benefit from faster transactions and lower fees compared to traditional payment methods like credit cards.
🚨BREAKING: Sony Group plans to issue a USD-linked stablecoin for payments within the Sony ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/QPvXUNcYds
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) December 1, 2025
Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Preparation
Sony’s journey into stablecoins began earlier than many realize. In April 2024, Sony Group launched a proof-of-concept for a yen-pegged token, working with Polygon Labs and blockchain firm SettleMint. Their focus shifted to a US dollar-pegged coin after partnering with Bastion, a US-based infrastructure provider specializing in compliant stablecoin issuance.
Sony Innovation Fund contributed to Bastion’s $14.6 million funding round in September, demonstrating their commitment to this technology. Bastion offers a “stablecoin-as-a-service” platform that will allow Sony Bank to manage its branded tokens while maintaining compliance with US laws, including the GENIUS Act signed into law in July.
To navigate the regulatory landscape, Sony Bank applied for a US banking charter in October through a subsidiary named Connectia Trust. The company plans to establish a US-based branch specifically to oversee stablecoin issuance, compliance, and operational functions. This preparation shows Sony’s thorough approach to entering the regulated digital payment space.
Benefits for Users and Sony’s Ecosystem
Currently, US customers who use Sony’s entertainment services primarily pay for subscriptions and content via credit cards or traditional payment methods. These payment processors charge fees that cut into Sony’s revenue. The introduction of a stablecoin offers Sony a way to reduce these costs while providing users with a more streamlined payment experience.
For PlayStation gamers, the stablecoin will enable direct purchases of games, in-game items, and subscription services like PlayStation Plus. Anime fans using Sony platforms will also benefit from the same seamless payment system. This unified approach creates consistency across Sony’s diverse entertainment offerings and potentially increases user retention through a more integrated ecosystem.
The stablecoin also represents a step toward borderless digital payments, which could help Sony better serve its global audience. By reducing friction in international transactions, Sony may see increased engagement from users worldwide who previously faced barriers with traditional payment methods.
The Future of Corporate Stablecoins
Sony’s entry into the stablecoin market reflects a broader trend of major corporations exploring digital currencies. The stablecoin market has grown to over $306 billion, with major players like Tether and Circle controlling $260 billion of that total. Financial analysts project this market could reach $1.9 trillion by 2030.
Other companies are following similar paths. Western Union plans to launch its USDPT token on Solana by 2026, while nine European banks are developing a euro-backed stablecoin under MiCA rules. Klarna, a Sweden-based fintech, recently launched KlarnaUSD to enhance global payment efficiency for its 114 million customers.
As more corporations issue their own digital currencies, we may see a transformation in how consumers interact with digital services. Sony’s stablecoin could position the company at the forefront of this evolution, blending entertainment with next-generation payment solutions in a way that enhances their competitive edge in the digital marketplace.
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