Table of Contents
Researcher
\[ASA News] is a bi-weekly newsletter where we share the most important news related to stablecoin in Asia. (2026.03.02~03.15)*
1. [News] Designing Infrastructure for Instant JPYC Purchases Directly from Sony Bank Accounts
Source: Sony Bank and JPYC Sign Deal To Advance Real-Time Stablecoin Purchases
Sony Bank and yen-pegged stablecoin issuer JPYC Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a real-time purchase system connecting Sony Bank deposit accounts directly to the JPYC platform. Currently, purchasing JPYC requires a manual bank transfer, but the proposed integration would allow users to convert deposits into stablecoins without leaving the banking interface. Sony Bank's Web3 subsidiary BlockBloom will lead the design of the bank linkage, stablecoin rails, and potential consumer services.
JPYC began issuing its yen-pegged stablecoin in October 2025 under Japan's revised Payment Services Act, with tokens backed 1:1 by a combination of bank deposits and Japanese government bonds. Both companies noted that the agreement is exploratory, with no launch timeline specified. The framework under development is intended to be open to multiple financial institutions rather than limited to a single bank partner. Beyond payments, the companies will also explore links between stablecoins and entertainment IP including music and gaming content, as well as digital content purchases and reward distribution. Separately, JPYC announced plans last week to raise approximately 1.78 billion yen (~$12 million) in the first close of its Series B funding round, led by Asteria Corporation.
2. [Commentary] Japan's Stablecoin Ecosystem Shifts from 'Issuance' to 'Distribution Infrastructure Competition'
The core proposition of the Sony Bank-JPYC MOU is eliminating the need for users to leave their bank accounts to purchase stablecoins. Most stablecoin purchases today require routing through exchanges or manual bank transfers, creating psychological and procedural barriers for existing bank customers. The experience of converting deposits into stablecoins instantly within a banking interface may feel, from the user's perspective, not much different from opening a foreign currency deposit. If realized, this could mark a turning point where stablecoins are perceived not as 'crypto assets' but as an extension of banking products.
In the context of Japan's stablecoin market, this partnership carries a notable signal. Japan established a pioneering regulatory framework in 2023 through its revised Payment Services Act, which classifies stablecoins as 'Electronic Payment Instruments (EPI).' JPYC received FSA authorization in August 2025 and became the first licensed issuer to begin yen stablecoin issuance that October. Since then, use cases have expanded rapidly, SMBC's My Number Card-based offline payment pilot, LINE NEXT messenger integration, and a partnership with Densan Systems enabling payments at 65,000 convenience stores. Sony Bank's partnership adds 'direct onboarding from bank deposits' as a new entry point. A value chain is forming: issuance (JPYC) → distribution (LINE, SMBC stera terminals, convenience stores) → purchase access (Sony Bank).
From a Sony Group perspective, this partnership is a puzzle piece in a larger Web3 strategy. BlockBloom, established in October 2025 with 300 million yen in capital, is Sony Bank's dedicated Web3 subsidiary, positioning itself at the intersection of fans, artists, NFTs, and digital/physical experiences. Sony Bank is also separately pursuing a U.S. federal banking license (Connectia Trust) for dollar stablecoin issuance.
