Sony Bank Prepares US Stablecoin Launch to Expand Digital Asset Reach

Institutional momentum in regulated crypto infrastructure accelerated as Sony Bank moved toward U.S. stablecoins and digital assets, signaling a push toward enterprise-scale adoption backed by a deepening partnership with Bastion.

Sony Bank Pushes Stablecoin Path to Drive Enterprise Digital Assets

Growing institutional demand for regulated crypto infrastructure advanced on Dec. 1 as Sony Bank Inc. prepares to enter the U.S. stablecoin and digital asset market. The bank will use Bastion as its sole issuance provider for its stablecoin initiative, forming a strategic relationship to support issuance, reserve oversight, and custody.

“As Sony Bank’s sole issuance provider, Bastion will lead the way for the Tokyo-based bank to expand into the digital asset landscape globally,” Bastion announced on Dec. 1. Sony Ventures Corporation CEO Kazuhito Hadano emphasized institutional backing: “We are truly delighted to see our Sony Innovation Fund portfolio company Bastion named as Sony Bank’s strategic provider as the company expands into digital assets.” The Sony executive added:

Together they will bring stablecoins to the mass market and set the tone for enterprise adoption of digital assets.

“Bastion will manage the issuance of stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar, reserve management, and custody, acting as the designated service provider for Sony Bank’s inaugural entrance into the market,” the announcement explained.

Read more: Sony Bank Eyes US Trust Charter for Stablecoin and Custody Services

According to Nikkei, Sony Bank plans to issue a dollar-pegged stablecoin in the United States as early as fiscal 2026. The move follows the bank’s October application for a U.S. banking license and its preparation of a subsidiary to operate the stablecoin business in collaboration with Bastion. Sony Group expects U.S. gaming and anime users to adopt stablecoin payments to reduce credit-card fees. The U.S. accounted for more than 30% of its external revenue in the fiscal year ended March 2025.

The move aligns with Bastion’s recent strategic raise, supported by Sony Innovation Fund, Coinbase Ventures, a16z crypto, Samsung NEXT, and Hashed, highlighting investor conviction in enterprise-grade crypto solutions. Analysts note that institutional issuers could help establish stronger risk controls, standardized settlement processes, and transparent reserve structures. While critics warn that corporate-backed stablecoins may centralize influence, advocates argue that regulated issuance frameworks, deeper liquidity, and compliance-led infrastructure can expand adoption and build trust across global crypto markets.

FAQ ⏰

• What role will Bastion play in Sony Bank’s stablecoin launch?

Bastion will serve as Sony Bank’s sole provider for issuance, reserves, and custody of U.S.-backed stablecoins.

• Why is Sony Bank entering the U.S. stablecoin market?

The bank aims to expand globally into digital assets through regulated, enterprise-grade infrastructure.

• How does Sony Ventures factor into the partnership?

Sony Ventures highlighted its support through Sony Innovation Fund and emphasized strong institutional alignment.

• What benefits do analysts expect from institutional stablecoin issuers?

They cite stronger risk controls, standardized settlement, and improved transparency for global crypto markets.