According to a report by Nikkei, Sony Bank is gearing up to issue a dollar-pegged stablecoin in the United States by the 2026 fiscal year. The stablecoin will be integrated into the Sony ecosystem, primarily intended for facilitating payments in gaming and anime. In alignment with this initiative, Sony Bank applied for a banking license in the U.S. in October and is in the process of establishing a subsidiary to oversee its stablecoin operations.
Sony’s New Financial Layer in Its Digital Ecosystem
Sony Group aims to streamline global payment infrastructure and transform user experience with its stablecoin project. The plan is for U.S.-based gamers and content consumers to carry out various transactions—from in-game payments to subscription fees—using the stablecoin. This approach seeks to reduce high transaction fees typically charged by credit card companies and to make payments independent of geographical restrictions.
Sony Bank has partnered with Bastion, a U.S.-based stablecoin developer, to bring the project to fruition. By leveraging Bastion’s existing Blockchain infrastructure, the bank plans to use reserve assets like U.S. Treasury bonds as collateral to ensure transaction security and liquidity. This model combines traditional banking security with cryptocurrency technologies, bolstering Sony’s capability for financial innovation.
Strategic Positioning in the U.S. Market
Sony’s move holds strategic significance as the U.S. is one of its major revenue sources. During the fiscal year ending March 2025, over 30% of Sony Group’s external sales stemmed from the U.S. Although Sony Financial Group was listed separately on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September, it continues to provide financial support for business development within the Sony ecosystem.
In the rapidly growing U.S. stablecoin market, Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) dominate with a combined supply of approximately $260 billion. The GENIUS Act, effective from July, provided a legal framework for stablecoin issuers, reducing uncertainties in the sector. The Trump administration’s support for cryptocurrencies is considered a pivotal factor accelerating market entry for corporate players like Sony.