Sony enters the stablecoin market with entertainment focus
Sony Bank, the financial arm of technology giant Sony, plans to issue a US dollar-pegged stablecoin by 2026. The stablecoin will be used across Sony’s entertainment ecosystem. Their users will be able to purchase PlayStation games, pay for subscriptions, and buy anime content on platforms like Crunchyroll. Currently, Sony customers use credit cards and other traditional payment methods. The stablecoin aims to reduce transaction fees charged by credit card companies. This could lower costs for both Sony and its customers. Sony Bank applied for a US banking licence in October 2025 as part of its expansion strategy. The company has partnered with Bastion, a US stablecoin infrastructure provider backed by Coinbase Ventures. Sony’s venture capital arm participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million funding round in September. The move comes as the global stablecoin market surpasses $306 billion in total value.
Strategic timing aligns with regulatory framework
Sony’s stablecoin launch benefits from recent US legislation. The GENIUS Act facilitates foreign banks entering the American stablecoin market. This regulatory clarity makes Sony’s timing particularly strategic. The US market represents 30% of Sony’s external sales. A blockchain-based payment system could deepen user engagement across PlayStation subscriptions and in-game purchases. Standard Chartered predicts over $1 trillion could shift from emerging-market banks into stablecoins by 2028. Sony’s entry positions it ahead of this massive transition. For users, the stablecoin promises faster transactions and potentially lower fees compared to credit cards. Blockchain enables near-instant settlements without traditional banking intermediaries.
However, the Independent Community Bankers of America has raised concerns about potential consumer risks. They argue stablecoins need robust oversight to protect users. Sony Bank must navigate these regulatory considerations whilst building its US subsidiary. If approved, the subsidiary will issue stablecoins under US regulatory oversight. This ensures compliance whilst integrating blockchain payments into Sony’s existing product lines. The stablecoin could create a seamless payment ecosystem rivalling established platforms. For beginners, this means buying games with digital currency stored in your PlayStation wallet. For experts, it represents a major entertainment brand legitimising blockchain payments at scale.
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