Sony Bank to Launch USD-Pegged Stablecoin for US Gamers and Anime Fans

Sony Bank, the online banking arm of Sony Financial Group, is preparing to launch a USD-pegged stablecoin in the United States. 

According to an Asia Nikkei report, sources with direct knowledge revealed that Sony Bank aims to roll out the stablecoin as early as next year. Notably, Sony plans to integrate the new digital asset across its broader ecosystem, enabling users to use the stablecoin as a payment method for watching anime, playing games, and accessing other entertainment services.

Currently, Sony customers rely on credit cards to pay for these offerings, an approach that comes with notable drawbacks, including high transaction fees. By introducing a stablecoin, Sony Bank expects users to pay for video game subscriptions, in-game purchases, and anime content more efficiently and at a lower cost within its digital platforms. 

Why U.S.? 

This US launch strategy appears intentional. As Nikkei highlights, the United States accounted for more than 30% of Sony Group’s external sales as of the first quarter of 2025. Consequently, focusing on its largest consumer base gives Sony a strong incentive to debut the stablecoin in the US market first. However, it remains unclear whether the bank will launch the stablecoin in other jurisdictions. 

In preparation for the launch, Nikkei confirmed that Sony applied for a US banking license in October 2025. Additionally, the bank plans to set up a dedicated subsidiary to manage its stablecoin operations.

Furthermore, following its recent partnership with U.S.-based startup Bastion, Sony Bank will rely on Bastion’s infrastructure to issue the stablecoin, ensuring a streamlined, compliant rollout. 

Growing Interest in Stablecoins 

Since President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law in July, several financial institutions have announced plans to launch new stablecoins in the US market. Major banks such as Bank of America, Citi, and JPMorgan Chase are now collaborating on a joint stablecoin initiative. Additionally, fintech giant Stripe has applied for a license that would allow it to expand its stablecoin operations across the country.

These developments underscore the rapidly growing interest in stablecoins among U.S. financial institutions. Meanwhile, the broader stablecoin market continues to expand, with USDT and USDC maintaining their dominance and pushing the sector’s total value to $315.27 billion at press time. In the meantime, Sony Bank has yet to officially confirm the stablecoin initiative. 

Sony, the parent company of Sony Bank, is no stranger to the crypto market. Over the past few years, the entertainment giant has expanded its footprint by debuting a crypto exchange, launching its own Layer-2 blockchain, and developing an NFT project.