Soneium — the Ethereum Layer-2 network co-developed by Sony Group Corporation and Startale — has launched an institutional-grade stablecoin designed to anchor payments and liquidity across its ecosystem. The move represents one of Sony’s most concrete steps yet toward building consumer and enterprise-facing blockchain infrastructure.
Startale confirmed the rollout of Startale USD (USDSC), a USD-pegged stablecoin issued through M0’s modular stablecoin stack, which also supports MetaMask and Stripe’s Bridge initiative. The asset will serve as the default settlement layer for Soneium and the newly unveiled Startale SuperApp, a Web3 interface positioned as the network’s main consumer entry point.
A Strategic Attempt to Solve the Adoption Bottleneck
Stablecoins remain one of blockchain’s strongest product-market fits, bridging fiat and onchain applications. Soneium’s decision to introduce a native digital dollar reflects a broader strategic calculation: networks targeting mainstream users must control their payment infrastructure.
USDSC enables predictable settlement finality, reduces friction across Mini Apps within the SuperApp, and supports Sony’s long-term ambitions in digital payments, gaming, loyalty, and tokenized commerce.
“USDSC connects everyday users to the future of finance,” said Startale CEO Sota Watanabe. He noted that the stablecoin will power rewards, payments, and routine transactions across the SuperApp, offering a UX closer to Web2 financial apps.
Japan Is Quietly Emerging as a Stablecoin and Tokenization Testbed
The timing coincides with Japan’s policy shift toward regulated digital money. The Financial Services Agency recently approved pilot programs for yen-backed stablecoins from MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho. JPYC also became the country’s first regulated yen stablecoin earlier this year.
Japan’s approach contrasts with the U.S., where regulators remain divided over stablecoin oversight. Analysts say this regulatory clarity is giving Japanese conglomerates — including Sony, SBI, and MUFG — room to experiment aggressively with blockchain settlement.
Soneium sits at the center of this shift as one of the first corporate-backed networks designed for mass adoption rather than crypto-native audiences.
Global Stablecoin Demand Is Reaching Systemic Relevance
The stablecoin market now exceeds $316 billion. Growth is driven by dollar demand in emerging markets, crypto trading liquidity, and early real-world asset (RWA) settlement. EY’s post-GENIUS Act survey shows:
- 13% of global financial institutions already use stablecoins for internal operations
- 54% expect adoption within 6–12 months
Soneium is positioning USDSC to capture a slice of this institutional shift, especially as tokenization markets mature.
A Coordinated Push Into the $18.9 Trillion Tokenization Market
The stablecoin launch closely follows Startale’s joint initiative with SBI Holdings to build a 24/7 exchange for tokenized stocks and RWAs. Boston Consulting Group estimates the tokenization sector could reach $18.9 trillion by 2033, with Asia expected to be one of its strongest growth corridors.
Stable settlement rails like USDSC reduce operational overhead for tokenized assets, enabling intraday trading, programmable compliance, and automated payouts — all key requirements for institutional adoption.
Rewards Layer Signals a Consumer-First Distribution Strategy
USDSC launches alongside STAR Points, a native incentive system integrated throughout the SuperApp. Users can earn points by:
- minting or holding USDSC
- providing liquidity on Uniswap
- participating in missions within the app’s Mission Centre
- using Mini Apps built by Soneium developers
This mirrors strategies used by Base, Solana, and Polygon, where incentives act as onboarding levers in early ecosystem growth.
Analysts note that Soneium is adopting a hybrid model: consumer-grade UX supported by institutional-grade settlement rails. The approach aligns with Sony’s strengths in hardware, media, and payments.
M0’s Architecture Adds Programmable, Interoperable Liquidity
M0 Co-founder Luca Prosperi said developers want flexible issuance, unified liquidity, and programmable redemption logic — capabilities difficult to achieve with fragmented stablecoin frameworks.
USDSC benefits from M0’s shared infrastructure, which routes liquidity and modular compliance rules through a single standardized system. This reduces the likelihood of liquidity silos across Soneium’s applications.
A Corporate-Backed Chain With a Different Entry Strategy
Soneium is emerging as a notable case study in corporate blockchain strategy. Unlike Facebook’s Diem, which attempted a universal stablecoin first, Sony is embedding stable payments into a broader app ecosystem with clear distribution pathways.
The SuperApp functions more like a Web2 app store layered onto Ethereum, aiming to onboard non-crypto users with a simplified UX. With USDSC, Startale can now coordinate liquidity, incentives, and developer economics natively.
Early Access Opens as Launchpad Features Roll Out
The Startale App waitlist is open, giving early users access to STAR Points and initial USDSC functionality. Over time, the platform plans to offer:
- gas credits
- ambassador-tier point multipliers
- priority access to token launches
- reward distributions for select Soneium projects
Developers are expected to begin integrating reward mechanics and stablecoin payments into Mini Apps in early rollouts.
More Like This:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were drafted with the assistance of AI tools and subsequently reviewed, edited, and verified by the author and our editorial team to ensure accuracy and journalistic integrity. The final version reflects human editorial judgment and fact-checking.
