Sony Enters $1.9T Stablecoin Market to Boost US Entertainment Payments

Sony Bank, the digital lending arm of Sony Financial Group, is preparing to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin by 2026 to streamline payments across its global entertainment ecosystem, including PlayStation, anime, and digital subscriptions. According to initial reports, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional payment methods like credit cards, which incur high transaction fees, while leveraging blockchain technology to create a seamless, low-cost alternative for users in the US-a market that accounts for roughly 30% of Sony Group's external sales. The stablecoin will be issued under a dedicated US-based subsidiary, with Sony Bank having applied for a banking license in October and partnered with Bastion, a stablecoin infrastructure provider backed by Coinbase Ventures.

The project aligns with Sony's broader expansion into Web3, including the launch of BlockBloom, a subsidiary established in June 2025 to explore blockchain-based services such as NFT storage, crypto wallets, and tokenized experiences. Sony Bank emphasized that digital assets are "incorporated into a diverse range of services and business models," signaling a strategic shift toward integrating blockchain into its entertainment and financial offerings.

The stablecoin is expected to complement existing payment options, enabling cross-platform transactions while potentially enhancing data insights for Sony's ecosystem.

Regulatory developments in the US have accelerated the company's plans. The passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025, which established a federal framework for stablecoin issuance, has created a more favorable environment for such ventures. Sony Bank's subsidiary, Connectia Trust, will oversee compliance and operational functions, ensuring the stablecoin adheres to US banking regulations. However, the move has drawn scrutiny from groups like the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), which raised concerns about the lack of FDIC insurance for the token and its potential to bypass traditional banking rules.

The stablecoin market is poised for significant growth, with Citi forecasting it could reach $1.9 trillion by 2030. Sony's entry into this space reflects a broader industry trend, as companies like Klarna and Western Union also launch stablecoin initiatives. In Central Asia, Uzbekistan is testing a regulatory sandbox for stablecoins and tokenized securities starting in 2026, part of a regional push to formalize digital assets. For Sony, the timing is strategic: the US remains a critical market, and the stablecoin could deepen user engagement by offering a unified payment system across its entertainment platforms.