Sony Pushes Closed-Loop Web3 System With Startale USD Launch
- Sony accelerates its stablecoin strategy as Startale USD launches on the Soneium network.
- Startale USD anchors payments and rewards across Soneium, driving a closed-loop economy.
- Sony targets unified onchain payments as Japan expands regulated stablecoin development.
Sony is accelerating its plan to build a closed-loop stablecoin economy on Soneium, as Startale launches Startale USD to anchor payments across the network. Sony aims to have stablecoins replace traditional rails within its Web3 ecosystem. It also hints at a two-issuer model that gives Sony control over both infrastructure and currency.
Startale Group introduced Startale USD this week on Sony’s Soneium network. The stablecoin targets everyday transactions inside Sony’s Web3 stack. Startale wants the token to handle payments, rewards, and user activity across the network. The company says the stablecoin will support a familiar experience for millions of users.
Soneium runs as an Ethereum layer-2 network and was launched earlier this year. The network followed a large testing phase that drew more than 14 million users. It also processed over 50 million transactions before Sony opened it to developers. The test run showed strong demand for high-speed settlement in Sony’s growing blockchain plans.
Startale partnered with M0 to engineer the token. M0 builds modular tools for programmable stablecoins. The company has worked with MetaMask and Stripe on other digital currency projects. Startale uses the tools to support fast minting and movement of the new token.
The stablecoin enters the market as Japan expands its digital money efforts. Major banks now run pilot programs for yen-linked tokens under new rules. Stablecoins continue to grow as regulated alternatives to traditional bank transfers. The trend gives Startale a wider environment for adoption.
Sony Bank also plans to introduce a stablecoin next year. The bank separated from Sony earlier this year and now focuses on regulated payment tools. The plan hints at a dual-stablecoin system inside the broader Sony ecosystem. Startale will support in-network transfers, while Sony Bank will target global payments.
STAR Point Rewards
Startale also launched STAR Points to support activity on Soneium. The program gives rewards for minting or holding Startale USD. Users also earn points for completing tasks or interacting with apps through the Startale App. The system brings a structured incentive model to Sony’s Web3 ecosystem.
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe says the strategy aims to bring familiar experiences to blockchain tools. He says users should feel comfortable with the network’s apps and features as the company aims to fuse Web3 speed with mainstream simplicity.
Related: Sony Bank Eyes US Market With New Dollar Stablecoin
The rewards system integrates with Startale’s earlier plans for a new digital asset exchange. The company is working with SBI Holdings on a platform for tokenized assets. The exchange will operate around the clock and support regulated trading. Startale sees the system as a bridge to the growing tokenization sector. Forecasts show the market nearing $19 trillion by 2033.
Sony’s broader goal is to unify payments, rewards, and digital content inside Soneium. The company wants users to interact with apps, games, and services through a single onchain currency. This structure gives Sony strong control over settlement flows inside its Web3 stack. It also helps developers integrate financial tools without external providers.
Startale USD now serves as the foundation of that plan. Sony aims to build a self-contained onchain economy that combines stablecoins, rewards, infrastructure, and digital experiences on a single network. The result places Sony at the center of its own blockchain economy as competitors race to build digital ecosystems.
