Sony and Startale launch USDSC: the new frontier of institutional stablecoins in Japan

The blockchain division of Sony Group, in collaboration with Startale Group, has announced the launch of USDSC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar and designed to meet the institutional needs of the Soneium ecosystem.

This new digital asset emerges at a crucial time for Japan, which is accelerating towards a cashless economy supported by regulation favorable to stablecoins.

A Rapidly Evolving Ecosystem

The launch of USDSC is set against a backdrop of significant activity in the digital asset sector in Japan.

Recently, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) has given the green light to yen-denominated stablecoin pilot projects promoted by the country’s three major banks – MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho – and has approved JPYC, the first regulated yen stablecoin.

These developments are turning Japan into an open-air laboratory for innovation in the field of regulated digital currencies.

USDSC: Stability and Innovation for Soneium

USDSC represents the first institutional-grade stablecoin dedicated to the Soneium ecosystem, a layer-2 blockchain on Ethereum developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs. The token is designed to ensure stability, scalability, and liquidity for digital transactions, serving as a foundation for payments and settlements within the platform.

The stablecoin was built on M0’s universal platform, which offers a modular and programmable infrastructure for stablecoin issuance. This architecture allows developers to control the behavior of their digital assets while maintaining transparency and interoperability.

A Native Reward System: STAR Points

Together with USDSC, Startale has also launched STAR Points, a native rewards system that transforms on-chain activities into tangible value for users.

Through the Startale App – the Web3 SuperApp that serves as a gateway to the Soneium ecosystem – users can earn STAR Points by performing actions such as minting and holding USDSC, providing liquidity on Uniswap, completing missions in the Mission Centre, and interacting with dedicated Mini Apps.

These points not only incentivize active participation but also allow access to exclusive ecosystem programs, token launches, and community rewards.

As the development of the Startale App progresses, the benefits associated with STAR Points will further expand, including gas credits, point multipliers for ambassadors, and priority access to new tokens.

A Platform for Global Tokenization

The launch of USDSC is directly linked to Startale and SBI Holdings’ plans to build a 24/7 active digital exchange platform dedicated to the trading of tokenized stocks and real-world assets.

This project aims to serve a tokenization market that is estimated to reach $18.9 trillion by 2033.

As Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group, emphasizes, “USDSC is designed to connect everyday users to the future of finance, opening access to a broader on-chain ecosystem.

It powers payments, rewards, and daily transactions through the Startale App, making web3 as familiar as any other mainstream app.”

An Institutional Infrastructure with Consumer User Experience

The combination of USDSC as the default digital currency and STAR Points as the native rewards layer allows the SuperApp to merge a consumer-level user experience with an institutional-grade settlement infrastructure.

Selected projects building on Soneium will be able to distribute tokens, rewards, and exclusive access through the Startale App, strengthening the cohesion and growth of the ecosystem.

The Global Context of Stablecoins

The launch of USDSC comes at a time when stablecoins are reaching unprecedented levels of adoption globally, with a market now exceeding $316 billion in circulation.

According to a report by EY, 13% of financial institutions and companies are already using stablecoins, while 54% plan to adopt them in the next 6-12 months.

Startale Group and Soneium: Innovation Made in Japan

Startale Group is one of the leading global providers of Web3 solutions, known for managing Astar Network, Japan’s largest blockchain public, and for co-developing Soneium alongside Sony Group Corporation.

In addition to chain development, Startale creates products for consumers and developers, such as the Startale App, which offers a unified experience for accessing blockchain-native applications.

Soneium, on the other hand, is a general-purpose blockchain platform that aims to transcend cultural boundaries and foster creativity, redefining how people interact with the internet and paving the way for new innovative applications.

Outlook and Early Access

The waitlist for the Startale App is already open, offering users the opportunity to gain early access to the features of USDSC and STAR Points. For more information and to join the waitlist, you can visit the official Startale website.

With the launch of USDSC and the integration of an innovative rewards system, Sony and Startale position themselves as pioneers in building a digital infrastructure that promises to redefine the future of on-chain finance, both in Japan and globally.