Singapore – April 2, 2025 – Sony Electronics Singapore has announced that customers can now purchase electronics and gadgets on its online store using USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. This marks Sony's first direct foray into cryptocurrency transactions in the region and leverages the payment services of the prominent crypto exchange, Crypto.com.

In a statement released Tuesday, Sony Singapore highlighted that this new payment option is currently exclusive to the Sony Store Online and is facilitated through Crypto.com's payment gateway. USDC, with a substantial circulating supply of over $60 billion according to CoinGecko, is the second-largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market, trailing only Tether's USDT.

Chin Tah Ang, General Manager of Crypto.com Singapore, expressed enthusiasm about the integration, stating, "We’re pushing to make paying in crypto more mainstream, and a brand like Sony will help bolster visibility for crypto payments."

While the initial rollout supports only USDC, Sony Singapore indicated plans to incorporate additional cryptocurrencies for payments in the future. The company did not immediately respond to requests for further details.

This move aligns with a broader strategic direction within Sony's global operations that increasingly embraces blockchain and Web3 technologies. Earlier this year, Sony unveiled Soneium, its own custom-built Ethereum Layer 2 network, developed by its Singapore-based subsidiary, Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL).

Soneium, which successfully completed a four-month testing phase that attracted over 14 million users, is designed to simplify blockchain interactions for creators and their audiences. The platform offers tools such as NFT-based fan engagement systems and an incubator program named Soneium Spark. Notably, during its testing phase in September, Soneium integrated support for bridged USDC, positioning it as a key transaction currency within its ecosystem of decentralized applications.

Developers are already utilizing Soneium to launch innovative projects, including NFT collections like a soulbound token commemorating Sony’s iconic Aibo robot, and early-stage blockchain games, demonstrating a growing array of consumer-facing applications.

Crypto.com, Sony's partner in this payment integration, continues its global expansion efforts. Last month, the exchange announced a non-binding agreement with Trump Media and Technology Group to potentially launch crypto-focused Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), including those tied to Bitcoin (BTC) and Crypto.com's native Cronos (CRO) token, pending regulatory approval.

The price of Cronos (CRO) has seen positive movement recently, reflecting market interest in Crypto.com's expanding initiatives.

Sony's decision to accept USDC payments in Singapore signals a growing willingness of major corporations to explore and integrate cryptocurrency into mainstream consumer experiences. As Sony continues to develop its Soneium network and explore further crypto integrations, this move could pave the way for wider adoption of digital assets within the entertainment and technology sectors.