Crypto payments may be coming to PlayStation as Sony prepares 2026 stablecoin launch
Sony is moving deeper into digital finance with plans for a US dollar–pegged stablecoin that could eventually be used across the entire Sony ecosystem — including PlayStation. According to reports, Sony Bank, the online banking arm of Sony Financial Group, is actively pursuing a US license and partnering with stablecoin issuer Bastion as it works toward a 2026 rollout. The project is closely tied to Sony’s growing Web3 division, BlockBloom.
Nikkei reported Monday that Sony aims to introduce the stablecoin in 2026, with expected use cases such as purchasing PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content. The company is particularly focused on the US market, which accounts for about 30% of Sony Group’s external revenue. The stablecoin would operate alongside traditional payment methods like credit cards, potentially reducing Sony’s payment processing costs.
To support the initiative, Sony Bank applied for a US banking license in October to set up a new subsidiary focused specifically on stablecoin operations. The bank has also teamed up with Bastion, a US-based stablecoin provider, and Sony’s venture arm participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million funding round led by Coinbase Ventures.
Expanding into Web3
Sony Bank’s stablecoin plans align with its broader push into Web3 technologies. In June, the bank launched a dedicated Web3 subsidiary, later named BlockBloom. In a May statement, Sony Bank noted that blockchain-based digital assets are becoming part of a wide range of services and business models, emphasizing the growing importance of crypto wallets, NFT storage solutions, and digital asset exchanges.
BlockBloom’s mission is to develop an ecosystem that connects fans and creators through NFTs, digital and physical experiences, and a mix of traditional and blockchain-based currencies.
Strategic shift after corporate restructuring
The stablecoin effort also comes on the heels of a major corporate restructuring. Sony Financial Group, Sony Bank’s parent company, was spun off from Sony Group and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September. The separation was designed to give Sony’s financial arm more operational independence and allow both entities to sharpen their strategic focus.
