cryptocurrencies

Sony Bank is preparing to roll out a U.S.-regulated dollar-backed stablecoin by 2026, according to reports. The company is working with Bastion and expanding its Web3 ecosystem, aiming to enable crypto payment options across platforms — including future PlayStation services.

Sony Bank — the digital banking arm under Sony Financial Group — is reportedly gearing up to introduce a U.S.-based stablecoin designed to support payments across Sony’s broad entertainment network.

According to a Monday report from Nikkei, Sony aims to debut a dollar-backed stablecoin in 2026. Once released, the token could be used to purchase PlayStation games and subscriptions, as well as anime content within Sony’s digital platforms.

With U.S. consumers accounting for nearly 30% of Sony Group’s global revenue, the company sees the stablecoin as a way to streamline payments and cut down on credit card processing fees by offering an alternative payment method.

To move the plan forward, Sony Bank filed for a U.S. banking license in October in order to set up a subsidiary focused specifically on stablecoin operations. The bank is also collaborating with Bastion — a U.S.-regulated stablecoin issuer — and Sony’s venture capital arm recently participated in Bastion’s $14.6 million funding round led by Coinbase Ventures.

Sony Bank’s Expansion Into Web3

The push toward a U.S. stablecoin fits into Sony Bank’s broader strategy to grow its Web3 footprint. In June, the bank launched a dedicated Web3 division to accelerate its blockchain-related initiatives.

“Blockchain-powered digital assets are becoming a part of many emerging services and business models,” Sony Bank noted in a statement published in May.

The bank added that financial tools such as wallets for storing NFTs and crypto assets, along with crypto exchange services, are becoming increasingly critical as Web3 adoption expands.

In June 2025, Sony Bank launched a dedicated Web3 subsidiary with an initial investment of 300 million yen (around $1.9 million), according to the bank. The division, now called BlockBloom, is designed to create an ecosystem integrating fans, artists, NFTs, digital and physical experiences, and both fiat and digital currencies.

Related: Animoca plans to expand into stablecoins, AI, and DePIN in 2026, says executive.

The stablecoin project comes after Sony Financial Group — Sony Bank’s parent company — spun off from Sony Group and became independently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September. The separation was intended to streamline operations and allow both the financial arm and the broader Sony conglomerate to focus on their strategic priorities.

Cointelegraph reached out to Sony Bank for comment on its potential U.S. stablecoin launch but had not received a reply by the time this article was published.
#cryptocurrencies #StablecoinNews #Asia #games #Sony

Bitcoin-spot ETFs in the U.S. have outperformed gold ETFs in terms of assets under management (AUM), marking a historic shift as investors embrace bitcoin as a new store of value.

Bitcoin-spot ETFs in the U. S. have outperformed gold ETFs in terms of assets under management (AUM) and sparked a major shift in investor preference. The move reflects the growing popularity of #bitcoin as a modern alternative to traditional assets such as gold. Despite the 20-year dominance of gold ETFs, bitcoin ETFs have outpaced them by just one year since launching in January 2024.
The approval of bitcoin ETFs in the US means that investors do not have to own bitcoins directly, but can use them in a regulated manner to access the coin, bridging the gap between #cryptocurrencies and traditional finance. This accessibility has created significant demand from institutional and retail investors, resulting in bitcoin ETFs outperforming gold ETFs in terms of assets. Well-known financial players such as BlackRock, #Fidelity and Arc Invest have entered the bitcoin #ETF market, increasing confidence and competition.
gold ETFs have long been considered a safe haven from inflation and economic uncertainty. However, bitcoin, also known as digital gold, has emerged as a modern decentralized alternative with similar properties as a store of value. Bitcoin's limited supply of 21 million bitcoins makes it an attractive hedge against inflation, especially for young investors seeking innovation and high returns.
The incredible price performance of bitcoin in 2024 adds to its appeal. Analysts believe this change represents a generational shift. Young investors are evaluating bitcoin's technical and economic potential. At the same time, traditional investors seeking diversification are increasingly including bitcoin ETFs in their portfolios.
The rapid growth of bitcoin ETFs shows that cryptocurrencies are gaining acceptance in the financial system. After years of regulatory hurdles, the approval of a place for bitcoin ETFs in the U. S.
Read us at: Compass Investments

Vanguard's conservative investment stance is not simply a reaction to market trends, but a reflection of a deeply held philosophy.

The company's exclusion of #cryptocurrencies from its portfolio is consistent with its focus on assets that create long-term value rather than speculative investments. Vanguard's approach is characterized by a rigorous new product selection process that focuses on investment merit, client needs, competitive advantage and viability.
Despite the appeal of #blockchain technology and its potential to make capital markets more efficient, Vanguard remains cautious about prioritizing the interests of its long-term investor base over the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies today. "
Read us at: Compass Investments
#CompassInvestments #CryptoAdoption

The securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a stay of proceedings on the Invesco Galaxy Ethereum #ETF decision, as is usually expected by market analysts during a storm of regulatory anticipation. Such delays, according to Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart, are par for the course and hint at an extended period of waiting. All eyes are now on the important date of May 23rd, which is paramount to the fate of Ethereum spot ETFs.

#Coingecko : #Ethereum ETF Assets Surge To $5.7B
However, as the SEC considering the proposal, the world of cryptocurrencies is rolling forward at an astonishing pace of growth and diversification. A recent full report released by Coingecko, one of the most recognized data analytic platforms in this industry, pointed out some amazing numbers: Ethereum ETFs currently represent a total value of about $5.7 billion from different issuers in Europe and capture 81% of the market share.
Highlighting further on Ethereum ETFs, this report throws a spotlight on the XBT Ethereum Tracker One (COINETH), which is alleged to be the king of the global ETF marketplace with an asset size of $3.34 billion. Following close behind is its competitor, XBT Ethereum Tracker Euro (COINETHE), with the level of total assets constituting $510.93 million. As the world’s inaugural Ether ETFs to set foot on this stage, they certainly set quite a milestone when it comes to experience since their launch in October 2017.

CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX), meanwhile, is Canada’s top-spot Ether ETF leader with assets worth $478.35 million as of last week. Meanwhile, Europe’s 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP (AETH) follows, with $329.42 million assets under management to secure the runner-up position and fortify its first spot Ether ETF position globally.
A notable trend that is seen from this analysis of the geographical dispersion of Ethereum ETFs is that, while Canada and Europe crowd the landscape with a plethora of offerings, the United States lags behind, being a manifestation of the cautious approach by the SEC. Still, with 27 active Ether ETFs around the world, such a market shows an appetite for resiliency and innovative investment avenues.
With the drama of #cryptocurrencies playing out on the global stage, the #Ether ETF offers a glimpse for an investor into a future of digital asset investment. Regulatory uncertainties apart, mainstream adoption is still an issue of contention surrounded by promises and potential.

Why Bitcoin Is Surging Today? 5 Key Reasons Behind Its $106K Breakout
Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high, soaring past $106,000 and pushing its total value to over $2 trillion.
The surge comes as pro-crypto policies are in motion and MicroStrategy, Bitcoin’s top accumulator, joins the Nasdaq 100 Index, boosting investor confidence for even higher targets like $120,000.
Here Are the Top 5 Key Reasons Why Bitcoin Is up Today
But what’s driving this insane surge let’s just sit back and read on Anthony Pompliano’s take on his video analysis on Bitcoin’s New ATH high.
First, demand for Bitcoin is increasing as more people view it as a reliable way to protect their money. When more buyers enter the market, the price naturally goes up. Pompliano explains as the value of the US dollar drops, investors are looking for better ways to protect their money.
Bitcoin, being a digital form of money that no one controls, is becoming more popular with investors who want to guard their wealth against rising prices and weaker currencies.
Second, Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, which makes it unique. Unlike traditional currencies, no one can create more Bitcoin. This scarcity increases its value over time, especially as demand grows. Moreover, Pompliano explains the typical cycle of demand and supply.
On the other hand, the Federal Reserve is going to cut interest rates again on 18th December to get us to 100 basis points. Further pumping the money supply and adding buying pressure. With limited supply, the price naturally goes up.
Third, big investors, including large companies and financial institutions, are now investing significant amounts of money in Bitcoin. This adds more trust and credibility to the market while injecting large amounts of capital, driving the price higher.
He also highlights that Bitcoin ETFs, approved in January 2024, made it easier for investors to access Bitcoin. Since then, Bitcoin’s price has doubled, with tens of billions of dollars flowing in from Wall Street.
Fourth, global economic uncertainty is pushing people toward Bitcoin. Rising inflation and weakening currencies in many countries make people look for safer places to store their wealth.
Countries like Russia, and Japan are eyeing Bitcoin to stabilize their economy. Since, Bitcoin is seen as a digital alternative to gold, which protects against economic instability.
“December” Brings Hope
Finally, other factors pilling in to push BTC up are comments from Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, who has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, with the firm recommending a 2% Bitcoin allocation for financial portfolios.
This increased demand, alongside the growth of Bitcoin ETFs, is driving the price higher.
Plus, recently Trump’s plans to create a Bitcoin Reserve also created ripples in the market with high expectations of creating it a mainstream financial investment option on a global scale.
#Bitcoin #cryptocurrencies #AltcoinSeason #cryptomarket #CryptoNews