Apr 2, 2025

Sony Singapore Launches USDC Checkout Option Through Crypto.com

Shoppers in Singapore can now use USD Coin (USDC) to purchase electronics directly from Sony’s online store—a move that marks the company’s first foray into local crypto payments. The integration was made possible through a partnership with Crypto.com, which will serve as the payment processor for the stablecoin transactions.

The rollout allows customers to check out using USDC, a dollar-pegged digital currency, exclusively through the Crypto.com Pay platform. At launch, the option is available only on the Sony Store Online in Singapore, but Sony has indicated that support for additional cryptocurrencies may be added in the future.

Chin Tah Ang, General Manager of Crypto.com Singapore, welcomed the collaboration, stating that Sony’s involvement would help bring visibility and legitimacy to crypto payments.

“We’re pushing to make paying in crypto more mainstream,” Ang said.

“Partnering with a well-established and forward-thinking brand like Sony Electronics Singapore further raises awareness of how simple it can be to pay for everyday goods and services using crypto.”

While limited in scope for now, the pilot signals growing confidence from traditional consumer brands in exploring blockchain-enabled payment systems—particularly with stablecoins, which offer the familiarity of fiat without the volatility typically associated with cryptocurrencies.

Sony Deepens Blockchain Push

Sony’s decision to accept USDC payments in Singapore is just the latest signal of its broader ambitions in the blockchain space. Earlier this year, the tech and entertainment giant quietly unveiled Soneium—an Ethereum-based Layer 2 network developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, its Singapore-based blockchain arm.

Designed to operate behind the scenes, Soneium is being positioned as the backbone for a wide range of Web3 applications, from digital collectibles and creator tools to potential integrations with Sony’s extensive entertainment and gaming ecosystems. The infrastructure reflects Sony’s long-term strategy to fuse blockchain technology with consumer experiences in a scalable and brand-centric way.

During its testing phase last year, Soneium incorporated support for bridged USDC, suggesting the stablecoin could become a key transaction layer across applications built on the network. Since then, developers have used Soneium to launch experimental NFT collections—including a soulbound token celebrating Sony’s iconic robotic pet, Aibo—as well as early prototypes of blockchain-powered games.

With Soneium’s foundation now in place and USDC integration live on Sony’s e-commerce channel, the company appears to be laying the groundwork for a broader rollout of crypto-driven consumer experiences—one that could ultimately extend across its entertainment, music, and gaming verticals.

Sony’s Visionary Partnerships Highlight Global Expansion

The choice of USDC for Sony’s pilot integration reflects the stablecoin’s rising prominence in the digital payments ecosystem. With over $60 billion in circulation, USDC is currently the second-largest stablecoin after Tether’s USDT, which commands a market cap of more than $144 billion, according to CoinGecko. Its issuer, Circle, recently filed an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in preparation for a potential initial public offering, signaling its intention to expand transparency and reach.

Meanwhile, Crypto.com—Sony’s partner in the Singapore rollout—continues to strengthen its global footprint. The exchange recently signed a non-binding agreement with Trump Media and Technology Group to jointly develop crypto-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including products pegged to Bitcoin and Crypto.com’s native Cronos (CRO) token.

Pending regulatory approval, these ETFs are expected to debut on the Crypto.com platform, further embedding the company within the institutional side of the crypto financial ecosystem. The dual strategy—partnering with consumer brands like Sony while pushing into regulated investment products—highlights Crypto.com’s ambition to play a central role in mainstream crypto adoption.

Quick Facts

  • Sony Singapore has enabled USDC payments via Crypto.com Pay on its online store, marking its first crypto integration in the region.
  • The feature is currently limited to Singapore and only supports USDC at launch, with plans to expand to other tokens.
  • USDC is the second-largest stablecoin, with over $60 billion in circulation, issued by Circle, which is preparing for a public listing.
  • The move reflects Sony’s broader Web3 strategy, including the development of its Ethereum Layer-2 network, Soneium.

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