Key Takeaways
- •Startale Group has launched USDSC, a new USD-pegged stablecoin built specifically for Sony’s Soneium blockchain.
- •The token debuts with STAR Points, a reward system that turns user activity across the Startale App into redeemable benefits.
- •The rollout aligns with Japan’s accelerating shift toward regulated digital money and global institutional adoption of stablecoins.
The company introduced Startale USD (USDSC) on Tuesday, presenting it as the backbone for payments, liquidity, and settlement activity across Soneium’s expanding network of applications.
The move gives Soneium – Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 built in partnership with Startale – its first native, USD-pegged asset positioned for large-scale financial use. Developers say USDSC is meant to serve as a high-reliability digital dollar tailored for regulated environments, with features that go beyond traditional stablecoins.
A Digital Dollar Built for Soneium’s Growth
Startale developed the asset on top of M0’s universal stablecoin architecture, which has become known for powering flexible, modular systems like MUSD. That infrastructure connects issuance, programmability, and liquidity under one automated framework, enabling Soneium builders to integrate USDSC as a core settlement mechanism from day one.
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe said the stablecoin is intended to bring everyday users into the on-chain economy without forcing them to navigate complex interfaces or unfamiliar processes. The token will serve as the payment and rewards currency inside the Startale App, the company’s new Web3 “SuperApp” that acts as the main portal into Soneium.
A Rewards Layer to Accelerate Adoption
Launching alongside the stablecoin is STAR Points, a rewards engine that turns user activity into redeemable value. Holding or minting USDSC, providing liquidity, completing in-app missions, and interacting with Mini Apps will all generate STAR Points, which can then unlock a range of benefits across the ecosystem.
Future perks include gas credits, advanced tiers for power users, and priority access to token launches hosted through the SuperApp. Several projects building on Soneium are already preparing to use STAR Points for distributing rewards and exclusive airdrop access.
Japan’s Digital Money Landscape Is Shifting
The release comes at a moment when Japan is rapidly adjusting its financial infrastructure for digital assets. Regulators recently approved a yen-based stablecoin pilot led by the country’s megabanks and gave the green light to JPYC, the first regulated yen stablecoin.
Internationally, stablecoin adoption is also climbing. According to EY, 13 percent of global institutions now use stablecoins in some capacity, and more than half expect to introduce them within the next year. Circulating supply across the sector has climbed above $316 billion, highlighting demand for programmable digital dollars like USDSC.
The Foundation for Sony’s Tokenized Future
Startale and SBI Holdings are currently co-building a digital asset exchange designed for tokenized real-world assets and tokenized equities – a market that analysts expect could approach $19 trillion by 2033. USDSC is expected to play a critical role in enabling 24/7 settlement for these products once that platform goes live.
Meanwhile, the Soneium blockchain continues to position itself as Sony’s flagship Web3 network. Developed through Sony Block Solutions Labs, it aims to support creative, entertainment-oriented, and culturally driven applications running on a fast Ethereum layer-2 environment.
Startale App Opens Early Access
The Startale App, which will be the central hub for using USDSC and earning STAR Points, is now accepting waitlist registrations. Early users will be able to test the SuperApp’s features and claim reward opportunities ahead of the full launch.