Sony Bank is set to issue a US dollar-pegged stablecoin for American fans of its games and anime. Based on a Nikkei report shared by The Block, this move could take effect as soon as fiscal 2026. The stablecoin will be part of a payment system designed to ease digital purchases for US-based users of Sony's entertainment content.

Sony Teams Up with Bastion for Stablecoin Infrastructure

To roll out the stablecoin, Sony Bank is working with Bastion, a US-based issuer known for its stablecoin infrastructure. The Japanese bank has also applied for a US banking license, which it submitted back in October. The new US entity, currently in the works, will manage the stablecoin business if approved.

This new stablecoin is set to support purchases across Sony's vast entertainment ecosystem. These include digital payments for video games, anime subscriptions, and other media content. By replacing or reducing credit card use, Sony plans to cut down on transaction fees and streamline user experience.

Tapping Into the $291 Billion Stablecoin Market

Sony's move comes as the US stablecoin market continues to grow. The total capitalization of dollar-backed stablecoins now stands at more than $291 billion. At the same time, over 30% of Sony Group's external sales reportedly come from the US. This makes it one of the company's most valuable international markets, adding weight to the decision to launch a US-dollar-based stablecoin.

While Sony Bank has not shared a confirmed launch date or exact use cases, the early focus will be on digital content. Payments for games, streaming services, and possibly in-game items may become key areas for the stablecoin.

Stablecoin Plans Follow Earlier Trials on Polygon

Sony's exploration of stablecoins is not new. In April 2024, Sony Bank conducted a stablecoin trial using the Polygon network. This test explored how stablecoins could enhance payments in gaming and sports content. Tokens were pegged to the Japanese yen, and the legal aspects of such digital payments were part of the study. Belgium's SettleMint offered technical and legal support during this trial.

The Polygon-based trial hinted at Sony's larger interest in web3, especially how blockchain can support their IPs. But no clear blockchain platform has been confirmed yet for the upcoming US dollar-pegged stablecoin. While Sony has its own Layer 2 network, Soneium, launched in early 2025, it's unclear whether this new coin will run on that network or another blockchain.

Sony's Web3 Push: From Soneium to Stablecoins

Sony's blockchain plans have expanded over the years. Back in January, its Singapore-based unit, Sony Block Solutions Labs, launched Soneium, a Layer 2 chain built on Ethereum. Soneium was made for content creators and fans, aiming to simplify web3 interactions. The chain lets users create blockchain wallets with just an email, cutting out the need for private keys.

To promote Soneium, Sony ran a 4-week event called Soneium Conquest. It introduced people to blockchain through simple games, missions, and NFTs. This campaign was split into themed weeks that show how web3 could fit into creativity, community, fun, and gaming.

With that setup already in place, it's possible Sony may eventually link the new stablecoin to the Soneium chain. But as of now, no official move has been announced.

NFT Rentals and Super-Fungible Tokens: Past Patents Show Bigger Web3 Vision

Sony has also filed several blockchain-related patents over the last few years. In 2023, it revealed plans for renting in-game NFTs through PlayStation. The system would let players or viewers rent digital assets like skins or emotes for a limited time. The assets could appear on consoles made by Sony, Nintendo, or Microsoft.

The patent described a system for tracking ownership and letting gamers profit by renting out rare items. Spectators, for example, could pay different fees than players. These digital items would not offer gameplay advantages, but they could still hold value within the gaming world.

In March 2024, Sony filed another patent for something called "super-fungible tokens." These tokens were designed to bundle several in-game NFTs into a single token. This would let players trade or sell collections of assets like battle passes, cosmetics, or items, something not possible in web2 games.

The system would also track item history and store it on a blockchain, though Sony did not say whether this would use a public or private chain. While these patents haven't yet turned into live products, they show Sony's deep interest in digital ownership.

Japan's Growing Role in the Stablecoin Race

Sony's plans for the US dollar stablecoin come just as Japan is making moves in its own stablecoin space. This year, Japan's financial regulators approved JPYC, the country's first major yen-pegged stablecoin. The government is also working with major banks to explore joint stablecoin systems.

Meanwhile, firms like Binance Japan and Circle have also joined the growing stablecoin market in Japan. This trend shows the country's push to build a more active web3 economy. In that light, Sony's effort to enter the US market with a stablecoin adds a global layer to Japan's broader digital finance strategy.

A Strategic Shift Toward Digital Payments in Entertainment

Sony's entry into the stablecoin sector marks a shift from TradFi toward blockchain-based payments in media and entertainment. The focus is not on creating a new crypto token for trading but rather a stable, US-dollar-pegged coin for direct payments.

This type of coin could lower fees and give users a smoother buying experience, especially in games and anime services that rely on microtransactions or subscriptions. It may also give Sony tighter control over its digital economy, reducing its reliance on 3rd-party payment services.

What remains unclear is whether the new coin will tie into loyalty programs, cross-game payments, or digital identity systems. As Sony continues to expand its web3 reach, more details may surface in the upcoming months.

For now, what's certain is that Sony Bank is taking firm steps toward merging stablecoin tech with its global entertainment platforms. And with US customers making up a big part of its user base, the timing of this move aligns with the growing demand for onchain-based payment options.