[Sony Plans to Launch USD Stablecoin for Gaming and Anime Payments]
Sony Group plans to issue a USD-denominated stablecoin next year, allowing U.S. customers to purchase gaming and anime content within its digital ecosystem. Previously, Sony's banking division, Sony Bank, applied for a U.S. national bank charter in October. This charter would enable its subsidiary, Connectia Trust, to engage in cryptocurrency-related activities, including issuing USD stablecoins, maintaining reserve assets, and providing custody and digital asset management services. Sony Bank has partnered with stablecoin company Bastion, which will provide the stablecoin infrastructure. The goal is to allow U.S. customers to use stablecoins for payments on the PlayStation platform, reducing credit card transaction fees. Sony also operates the PlayStation platform and Crunchyroll anime streaming service, and has collaborated with Startale Group to launch the ETH Layer2 network, Soneium.