Sony prepares to launch a USD-backed stablecoin for PlayStation and anime payments, marking a major Web3 move for its entertainment ecosystem.
Author: Tanishq Bodh
December 7, 2025 – Sony Group is making its boldest move yet into blockchain, preparing to launch a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin for seamless payments across its entertainment ecosystem. According to Nikkei Asia, Sony Bank’s U.S. subsidiary aims to issue the stablecoin as early as 2026. The goal is simple: enable frictionless PlayStation purchases, anime streaming payments, and subscription renewals while reducing reliance on credit card networks.
With more than 118 million monthly active PlayStation users and a massive anime audience through Crunchyroll, Sony sees stablecoins as a chance to overhaul digital payments. The USD-backed token would let American users buy in-game items, pay for subscriptions, or unlock episodes at lower cost. It would also bypass transaction fees that currently erode margins. The U.S. contributes over $30 billion more than 30% of Sony’s external revenue in FY2025 so the timing is strategic. Analysts say the motivation is clear: Sony wants to control the rails of digital entertainment.
Sony Bank’s U.S. arm applied for a banking license with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in October, forming the regulatory backbone for issuing and managing a compliant USD token. The bank, recently spun out and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, will establish a U.S. entity dedicated to issuance, reserve management, and KYC/AML oversight.
To power the infrastructure, Sony is partnering with Bastion, a U.S.-based stablecoin middleware specialist backed by Coinbase Ventures. Bastion will oversee minting and redemption mechanics, regulatory reporting, and the programmable aspects of the digital dollar. Sony’s venture arm participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million round earlier this year, signaling deep alignment with its long-term Web3 agenda.
The stablecoin push complements Sony’s rising Web3 ambitions. Earlier in 2025, Sony Block Solutions Labs launched Soneium, an Ethereum Layer-2 built for creators, fan economies, and tokenized digital assets. Since then, Sony has piloted NFT projects, creator royalty systems, and even explored the foundations of a crypto exchange. Whether the stablecoin will run natively on Soneium is still unconfirmed. However, the synergies NFT commerce, microtransactions, and anime licensing are clear.
Moreover, Sony’s path has been smoothed by the GENIUS Act, signed by President Trump in July 2025. The law created America’s first federal framework for USD-backed stablecoins. As a result, institutional entries from Ripple, Western Union, and Stripe have accelerated, pushing the total stablecoin market cap beyond $291 billion.
Sony’s OCC application has faced opposition from groups like the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), which cite risk concerns and limited domestic financial activity. Critics also warn of liquidity instability if the stablecoin’s peg wobbles, often referencing past scrutiny of Tether. Even so, supporters view Sony’s involvement as a potential consumer-level catalyst.
According to Standard Chartered, stablecoins could cut payment fees by up to 2%. In turn, this could free billions for reinvestment in gaming studios, anime production, and creator economies.
With early 2026 set as the target window, anticipation is already building. As one analyst noted, “Sony isn’t dipping its toes into Web3. It’s trying to own the entire digital payments stack.” Whether this “Sony Coin” becomes the default currency of gaming and anime remains to be seen, however, the entertainment giant has officially entered the arena.
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