Sony Bank has officially launched BlockBloom Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary aimed at spearheading the development of Web3 services, including digital assets, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain infrastructure. The announcement, made on Thursday, follows a strategic outline presented by the bank in July.
Operating under Japan’s regulated framework for digital assets, BlockBloom Inc. is expected to facilitate the integration of blockchain technology into Sony Bank’s existing services. The bank anticipates that this move will limit any immediate financial repercussions on its core operations.
Sony Bank, notable for its digital-first approach within the Sony Financial Group, designed BlockBloom to specifically handle digital asset management, NFT initiatives, and the creation of blockchain infrastructure. This separation allows the bank to pursue Web3 services with a focus on compliance and risk mitigation, safeguarding its primary banking functions from the operational complexities often associated with digital assets. Analysts suggest that establishing a dedicated entity is a common approach for financial institutions entering the regulated digital asset space.
The plans for BlockBloom were initially conceptualized in July 2025, where the bank proposed services like digital wallets for cryptocurrencies and NFTs, as well as mechanisms for converting yen into digital assets. With an initial capital injection of $2 million, BlockBloom is set to commence operations in autumn 2025. This formal subsidiary provides a framework for Sony Bank to explore blockchain-based products while minimizing the direct impact on its traditional banking operations.
Sony Bank expressed confidence that BlockBloom would have a negligible effect on its earnings, applicable to both consolidated and non-consolidated results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Recent updates from Japan’s regulatory bodies have opened pathways for banks to offer services related to tokenized securities, NFTs, and blockchain payments under a structured regulatory environment. BlockBloom will operate within these guidelines, delivering blockchain solutions that can seamlessly integrate with conventional financial services.
Japan’s digital asset market has shown steady growth, with NFT trading volumes soaring into billions of yen and an increasing trend of retail cryptocurrency adoption. Financial institutions and fintech companies are actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology for various applications, such as tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and smart-contract-driven lending. Several institutions have already trialed tokenized bonds and blockchain settlements for digital yen, signaling a robust interest in this domain.
Looking ahead, BlockBloom may expand its offerings to include services like NFT custody, tokenized financial instruments, and blockchain settlement networks. The subsidiary is also likely to engage in partnerships with fintech startups, aiming to develop interoperable solutions for digital wallets, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized finance platforms.
The establishment of BlockBloom underscores a cautious but forward-thinking strategy among Japanese banks as they venture into the Web3 realm. By creating this dedicated subsidiary, Sony Bank positions itself to assess and navigate regulatory challenges associated with blockchain technology while remaining insulated from the potential risks that come with it. Leveraging its technological and banking expertise, BlockBloom is poised to contribute positively to Japan’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.
