This week, the Startale Group introduced the new stablecoin Startale USD on Sony’s Soneium network. The token is designed for everyday transactions inside Sony’s Web3 ecosystem. Startale plans to use it for payments, rewards, and user activity, offering millions of future Sony users a familiar, non-DeFi user experience.
Soneium operates as an Ethereum Layer-2 network and officially launched this year. Before rollout, the platform underwent a massive testing phase with more than 14 million users and over 50 million transactions, demonstrating strong demand for high-speed settlement within Sony’s Web3 plans.
To build Startale USD, the company partnered with M0, a developer of modular tools for programmable stablecoins. M0 previously engineered digital currency solutions for MetaMask and Stripe. Startale leverages these tools to support fast issuance and efficient token transfers.
The launch of Startale USD comes at a time when Japan is rapidly expanding its digital money initiatives. Several major banks are already testing yen-backed tokens under new regulations. Stablecoins are emerging as regulated alternatives to traditional bank transfers, creating ideal conditions for Startale USD adoption.
Sony Bank also plans to issue its own stablecoin in 2026. The bank, recently spun off into a separate structure, now focuses on regulated payment tools. This points to a dual-stablecoin system within Sony’s ecosystem: Startale would power in-network transactions, while Sony Bank would handle international settlements and off-chain payments.
STAR Points Rewards
Startale also launched the STAR Points rewards program to stimulate Soneium activity. Users can earn points for minting or holding Startale USD, completing tasks, or interacting with apps via the Startale App. The program introduces a structured incentive model to Sony’s Web3 environment.
Startale CEO Sota Watanabe says the company’s mission is to make blockchain tools feel as intuitive as traditional financial services. He emphasizes that users should experience mainstream simplicity combined with the speed of Web3.
The rewards system is part of Startale’s broader plans to launch a 24/7 regulated exchange for tokenized assets in partnership with SBI Holdings. The exchange will serve as a gateway to the booming tokenization sector, projected to reach USD 19 trillion by 2033.
Sony’s strategic goal is to integrate payments, rewards, and digital content within the Soneium network. The company aims to enable seamless interactions with apps, games, and services using a single on-chain currency. This approach gives Sony tight control over payment flow and makes it easier for developers to deploy financial tools without external intermediaries.
Startale USD becomes the foundation of this strategy. Sony plans to build a closed on-chain economy where payments, infrastructure, stablecoins, and digital content align under one network. Such a model positions Sony at the center of its own Web3 economy — while competitors rush to build digital ecosystems of their own, concludes FORECK.INFO.