Sony is making a major move into digital assets. Its banking arm, Sony Bank, is preparing to launch a dollar-denominated stablecoin that could enable payments across the entire Sony ecosystem as early as 2026 – from PlayStation game purchases and subscriptions to anime content. According to sources cited by Nikkei, the project mainly targets U.S. customers, who account for roughly 30% of the group’s external revenue.

Stablecoin designed for everyday payments and lower fees

The new token will be pegged to the U.S. dollar and complement existing payment options, especially credit cards. With this initiative, Sony aims to reduce the fees it pays to card networks – a trend resonating across the gaming and digital industries.

To offer the stablecoin in the United States, Sony Bank applied for a U.S. banking license in October. It also began working closely with Bastion, a U.S. stablecoin issuer whose most recent $14.6 million funding round included investment from Sony’s venture fund.

Web3 is no longer a side project as Sony builds its own ecosystem

The stablecoin initiative fits into Sony Bank’s broader strategy. In June, the bank launched BlockBloom, a dedicated Web3 subsidiary designed to connect fans, creators, digital collectibles, physical and virtual experiences, and integrate fiat currencies, crypto assets, and NFTs.

“Digital assets utilizing Blockchain are permeating a wide range of services and business models,” the bank said in May, noting the growing importance of crypto wallets and exchange providers.

The stablecoin is expected to serve as one element of a larger digital strategy that will give Sony more flexibility within its ecosystem and greater control over fees and transaction infrastructure.

Financial restructuring opens space for innovation

Sony Bank is pursuing these initiatives at a moment of transformation for its parent company. Sony Financial Group separated from Sony Group in September and debuted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as an independently listed company. The restructuring aims to strengthen strategic decision-making and allow the financial division to focus more deeply on innovation.

This stronger corporate structure is one reason Sony can pursue ambitious expansion in digital assets.

What it means for everyday users

If Sony launches the stablecoin as planned, U.S. customers could use it to purchase digital games on the PlayStation Store, pay for PlayStation Plus subscriptions, or buy anime and other digital content. The token will also support transactions across the emerging BlockBloom Web3 ecosystem. Traditional payment options will remain available – the goal is not to force users to switch, but to offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative.

Sources:

https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/cryptocurrencies/sony-bank-to-issue-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-in-us

https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/cryptocurrencies/sony-bank-applies-for-us-license-eyeing-dollar-backed-stablecoin

https://sonybank.jp/en/corporate/topics/2025/0731-01.html

https://sonybank.jp/en/corporate/topics/2025/0925-01.html

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/sony-financial-shares-untraded-with-glut-buy-orders-2025-09-29/