Sony Bank Plans USD Backed Stablecoin to Power Payments Across Games

Sony Bank is planning to launch a US dollar–pegged stablecoin in the United States as early as fiscal 2026, per Nikkei. The token is designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the US dollar and will support seamless digital payments, particularly for gaming and anime content. This move represents one of the first major entries by a large Japanese financial institution into the dollar-backed stablecoin market.

How Will Sony Bank Use the USD-Pegged Stablecoin?

Sony Group intends to integrate the planned stablecoin into its broader entertainment and technology ecosystem. The token will be used for transactions within the Sony ecosystem, including purchases of PlayStation games, mobile titles, anime content, and subscriptions. The stablecoin aims to simplify cross-border transactions and reduce fees associated with credit card networks.

The company has not yet disclosed technical specifications, supported regions, or which on-chain networks will host the stablecoin. However, it will operate alongside existing payment options, offering U.S. customers an alternative to credit cards.

Integration into Sony Services

• Payments for PlayStation games and subscriptions
• In-game purchases and digital items
• Anime and video content transactions
• Potential cross-border payments

Sony Bank has applied for a U.S. banking license to establish a stablecoin-focused subsidiary. The bank has partnered with U.S.-based stablecoin issuer Bastion, which will provide the infrastructure for the project. Additionally, Sony’s venture arm participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million fundraising round led by Coinbase Ventures.

Why Is Sony Entering the U.S. Stablecoin Market?

Sony’s U.S. customers make up roughly 30% of its external sales. The stablecoin would allow the company to leverage this market while taking advantage of the growing U.S. dollar stablecoin ecosystem, which has a total capitalization of over $291 billion. By adopting a USD-pegged token, Sony can reduce reliance on card networks and associated transaction fees.

Sony Bank has also launched a dedicated Web3 subsidiary to explore digital assets. In June, the bank stated that blockchain-based financial services, including wallets for NFTs and cryptocurrencies, are becoming increasingly important.

Other Stablecoin Plans

• Western Union plans to launch a U.S. dollar stablecoin, USDPT, on Solana by early 2026.
• Nine major European banks intend to issue a euro-backed stablecoin under MiCA compliance in 2026.
• Japan has approved local stablecoins, such as JPYC, and joint projects between major banks to issue yen-backed tokens.

Sony Bank aims to align with these global trends while focusing on its entertainment and gaming ecosystem.

How Will Tokenomics Work?

While detailed specifications are pending, the token will be pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It will primarily facilitate payments within the Sony ecosystem. Tokenomics will focus on practical utility rather than speculative trading. Users will be able to earn, spend, and transfer the stablecoin for digital content, in-game items, and subscriptions.

Expected Features

• USD-backed 1:1 stable value
• Payment across games, subscriptions, and anime content
• Integration with Sony wallets and digital platforms
• Potential for cross-border transactions

How Does This Fit Into Sony’s Broader Web3 Strategy?

Sony has been expanding its presence in Web3 through the launch of Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, which aims to support content creators, fans, and communities. The stablecoin initiative complements this by providing a practical payment method for the ecosystem. Combined, these efforts allow Sony to offer blockchain-based digital asset management, NFT wallets, and crypto payment options for entertainment content.

Potential Advantages

• Unified payment medium for digital content
• Simplified cross-border transactions
• Reduced credit card fees
• Strengthened user engagement in Sony platforms

Could the Stablecoin Impact Sony’s Gaming and Anime Strategy?

The stablecoin could strengthen Sony’s digital ecosystem by unifying payment methods across platforms. Sony already operates in console gaming, mobile gaming, streaming, and anime licensing. A USD-pegged token could create smoother payment flows, enhancing user engagement and in-app purchases.

However, successful adoption will depend on security, user experience, and partnerships with U.S.-regulated custodians. The stablecoin could also enable crypto payments for international fans, simplifying transactions for cross-border anime content and gaming purchases.

However, Sony Bank must navigate both U.S. and Japanese regulations. In the U.S., the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has raised concerns, noting that the stablecoin could resemble a checking account under a trust charter but lacks FDIC insurance. The ICBA warned that the coin could put consumers at risk and emphasized that Sony Bank has yet to fulfill all regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Sony Bank’s USD-pegged stablecoin aims to streamline payments across its gaming, anime, and subscription services in the U.S. The project leverages partnerships with U.S.-based stablecoin infrastructure providers and aligns with the company’s broader Web3 strategy. Regulatory approvals, security standards, and user adoption will determine the practical impact of the token within the Sony ecosystem.

Resources

1. Report by Nikkei: Sony Bank to issue dollar-pegged stablecoin in US

2. Report by The Block: Sony Bank to launch US stablecoin for games and anime: report

3. Report by Reuters: European banks to launch euro stablecoin in bid to counter US dominance

4. Report by Reuters: Japan startup to issue first yen-pegged stablecoin

5. Report by Sony: Corporate report 2025