Sony's technology-powered crypto bank sets out to transform the stablecoin market in the United States

Sony Bank, the financial division of the renowned Japanese technology company, has made a significant move into the American cryptocurrency sector by applying for a national banking charter via its subsidiary, Connectia Trust. The submission to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) details intentions to launch stablecoins tied to the U.S. dollar and to offer digital asset custody services, establishing

as a prominent contender in the regulated stablecoin industry, as highlighted in a . This initiative reflects a broader movement among established financial institutions and technology companies to tap into the rapidly expanding stablecoin market, which, according to , now surpasses $312 billion in total value.

The filing demonstrates Sony's plan to utilize its technological strengths and ongoing blockchain projects to deliver secure and regulation-compliant digital asset services. Connectia Trust plans to issue stablecoins supported by assets like U.S. dollars and Treasuries, in addition to offering custody and asset management for clients. Sony noted that its initial operations will target affiliated clients and will comply with current OCC standards for national banks, as reported by Genfinity. CEO Kenichiro Yoshida remarked that this venture shows a strategic focus on "executing certain digital asset transactions within legal boundaries," including managing reserves and providing custody, according to

.

Sony's entrance into the U.S. crypto banking arena comes at a time of regulatory transformation, following the enactment of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act) in July 2025. This legislation introduced a federal regulatory structure mandating that stablecoin issuers maintain full reserves in approved assets, undergo monthly audits, and disclose redemption policies. By clarifying the regulatory environment, the GENIUS Act has encouraged major companies—including Sony, Stripe, Coinbase, and Circle—to seek federal charters, thereby avoiding inconsistent state regulations, as reported by the

. The Act also restricts non-financial entities from issuing stablecoins without federal consent, a rule that could influence Sony's future plans if it broadens its client base, as pointed out.

The competition to issue stablecoins is heating up, with Sony joining a growing pool of applicants for OCC charters. To date, only Anchorage Digital Bank has received full approval, while other applicants have faced regulatory hurdles. Sony's proposal will undergo similar examination, as the OCC reviews adherence to prudential guidelines and reserve policies. Should Sony gain approval, it would be among the first "technology-bank hybrids" permitted to issue regulated stablecoins in the U.S., potentially shaking up a market currently led by

and Circle's , according to .

Industry experts consider Sony's timing to be calculated. The stablecoin market is expected to reach $360 billion by February 2026, fueled by a growing preference for transparent and regulated alternatives to conventional banking. Sony's blockchain background, including its collaboration with Startale Labs to build an

Layer-2 solution, bolsters its reputation in the field, Genfinity noted. Furthermore, integrating stablecoins into the PlayStation platform could introduce innovative applications, such as in-game payments, setting Sony apart from competitors, as observed by Live Bitcoin News.

Nevertheless, obstacles persist. The approval process is stringent, and regulatory setbacks are frequent. Sony must prove its operational robustness, especially in maintaining transparent reserves and managing risks like rehypothecation. Any errors could undermine confidence in its stablecoin, which is essential for institutional uptake. Additionally, established competitors such as Stripe's Bridge and Ripple may intensify the rivalry as the sector evolves, Live Bitcoin News cautioned.

Sony's venture into crypto banking reflects a larger trend of established financial players embracing digital assets. By adhering to the GENIUS Act's standards, Sony is positioning itself to navigate shifting regulatory requirements while meeting the rising demand for fiat-backed digital currencies. If successful, this move could reshape the influence of technology giants in finance, merging innovation with regulatory compliance.