Sony Bank is planning to launch its own U.S.-dollar-pegged stablecoin by 2026. The token will be used across Sony’s entire entertainment ecosystem, including PlayStation, streaming services, and anime platforms, to offer faster, cheaper, and borderless digital payments.
Right now, Sony depends heavily on credit-card networks, which charge high fees on in-game purchases and subscription payments. Since the U.S. accounts for more than 30% of Sony’s global revenue, a stablecoin could help the company cut costs and give users a smoother checkout experience.
To move forward, Sony Bank has applied for a U.S. banking license and is setting up a local branch to handle compliance and stablecoin issuance. It has also partnered with Bastion, a U.S. stablecoin infrastructure provider, to ensure it meets regulatory standards from day one.
Regulatory Pushback: Consumer Protection Concerns
Sony’s plan is already facing criticism. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) says the stablecoin is similar to a bank deposit but does not offer FDIC insurance, which could put users at risk if Sony Bank faces financial issues.
Regulators are also questioning whether Sony Bank’s trust-charter structure can legally support a product that works like a checking account. The ICBA argues that Sony has not yet met all the requirements expected from U.S. financial institutions, hinting at a potential clash as the launch date nears.
A Rapidly Growing Global Stablecoin Trend
Sony’s move comes as companies around the world enter the stablecoin market. Western Union plans to launch its USDPT token on Solana by 2026, and nine European banks are working on a euro-backed stablecoin under MiCA rules. Wyoming has already introduced its own state-issued token, FRNT, on multiple blockchains.
The stablecoin market has now grown to more than $306 billion, with Tether and Circle controlling $260 billion. Standard Chartered warns that by 2028, over $1 trillion could move out of emerging-market banks and into stablecoins.
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