Sony Bank has recently made a significant move in the world of digital finance by establishing BlockBloom Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that will focus on developing Web3 services, including digital assets, NFTs, and blockchain infrastructure. This move, which was announced on Thursday, follows the bank’s plans disclosed back in July.
The subsidiary, operating under Japan’s regulated framework for digital assets, aims to integrate blockchain technology into the bank’s existing services. Sony Bank anticipates that this strategic decision will have a limited near-term financial impact, allowing them to explore new avenues in the digital finance space without affecting their core banking operations.
BlockBloom Inc. has been created as a separate entity to specifically handle digital asset management, NFT projects, and blockchain infrastructure. This subsidiary will enable Sony Bank to develop Web3 services in a secure manner, ensuring that compliance requirements and operational risks are managed separately from their traditional banking activities. Analysts have noted that establishing a dedicated entity for blockchain initiatives is a common strategy among financial institutions entering regulated digital asset markets.
The plans for this Web3 subsidiary were first revealed in July 2025, with the bank proposing services such as digital wallets for cryptocurrencies and NFTs, as well as facilitating conversions between yen and digital assets. BlockBloom Inc. has received an initial capital injection of $2 million, and operations are expected to commence in the autumn of 2025. By setting up a formal subsidiary, Sony Bank has established a structure to advance blockchain-based products while safeguarding their core banking operations.
Sony Bank expects BlockBloom to have minimal impact on earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, both in terms of consolidated and non-consolidated figures. With Japan’s regulators updating rules for digital assets, banks are now permitted to offer tokenized securities, NFT services, and blockchain payments within a regulated framework. BlockBloom will operate in accordance with these regulations, providing innovative blockchain solutions that seamlessly integrate with standard financial services.
The digital asset market in Japan has been steadily growing, with NFT trading volumes reaching billions of yen and increasing retail adoption of cryptocurrencies. Financial institutions and fintech companies are exploring blockchain for tokenized securities, cross-border payments, and smart-contract-based lending. BlockBloom may develop services such as NFT custody, tokenized financial instruments, and blockchain settlement networks, potentially collaborating with fintech startups to create interoperable solutions for digital wallets, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized finance platforms.
The establishment of BlockBloom signifies a cautious approach by Japanese banks venturing into the Web3 space. This dedicated subsidiary allows Sony Bank to test blockchain products safely, evaluate user adoption, and navigate regulatory requirements without disrupting their core operations. Leveraging Sony Bank’s technology and banking expertise, BlockBloom has the opportunity to collaborate with fintech partners and contribute to Japan’s expanding digital finance ecosystem.
In conclusion, Sony Bank’s decision to spin off a Web3 subsidiary marks a significant step towards deepening their digital asset services and embracing the potential of blockchain technology in the financial sector. This move positions the bank at the forefront of innovation in the digital finance space, paving the way for future growth and development in the evolving landscape of Web3 services.