Sony Bank Prepares US Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin for 2026 Launch

Source: DefiPlanet Original Title: Sony Bank Prepares US Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin for 2026 Launch Original Link: https://defi-planet.com/2025/12/sony-bank-prepares-us-dollar-pegged-stablecoin-for-2026-launch/

Sony Bank’s 2026 Stablecoin Launch Strategy

Sony Bank, the online lending arm of Sony Financial Group, is set to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin in 2026 to facilitate payments across the Sony ecosystem in the United States. The initiative will enable purchases of PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content, offering an alternative to traditional payment methods while potentially reducing transaction fees for consumers.

Targeting US Customers and Strategic Partnerships

The stablecoin will primarily serve Sony’s US customer base, which accounts for roughly 30% of the group’s external sales. To support the initiative, Sony Bank applied for a US banking license in October to establish a subsidiary focused on stablecoin issuance. The bank has partnered with Bastion, a US-based stablecoin issuer, and participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million funding round led by a prominent venture capital firm. This collaboration allows Sony to leverage established stablecoin infrastructure and regulatory compliance, enabling seamless integration of blockchain-based payments across its digital platforms.

Expanding Blockchain Integration and Digital Asset Services

Sony Bank highlighted the growing importance of digital assets in its operations, noting that NFT and cryptocurrency wallets, as well as crypto exchange providers, are becoming increasingly relevant. The stablecoin is expected to operate alongside these services, signaling a broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology into gaming, media, and financial offerings. By offering a streamlined crypto payment option, Sony aims to enhance user experience, improve cross-platform transaction efficiency, and reduce reliance on credit card networks.

With a stablecoin designed for broad usage across its ecosystem, Sony is expanding its presence in the digital asset economy, reflecting a growing trend among traditional corporations to incorporate crypto solutions for consumers.

In parallel, Sony Block Solutions Labs announced plans for a new layer-2 blockchain, named Soneium. The platform is designed to attract developers across multiple industries, including entertainment, gaming, and finance, further cementing Sony’s commitment to advancing blockchain infrastructure beyond payments.