UAE Bank Zand Partners With Ripple to Expand AEDZ and RLUSD Stablecoin Payments

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Zand, the UAE’s AI-powered digital bank, has announced a new partnership with Ripple, a blockchain-based digital payment company, to expand stablecoin-based financial services in the region. 

Meanwhile, the collaboration will focus on real-world digital payment and liquidity solutions using AEDZ and RLUSD stablecoins across regulated blockchain infrastructure.

Zand and Ripple Expand Partnership Around Stablecoins

On February 10, Zand and Ripple expanded their partnership to build new digital finance solutions using stablecoins and blockchain. The two companies are now focusing on connecting Zand’s UAE dirham-backed stablecoin (AEDZ) with Ripple’s US dollar-backed stablecoin (RLUSD).

This integration aims to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent for businesses in the UAE and nearby regions.

As part of the plan, RLUSD will be supported on Zand’s regulated digital asset platform. Both firms are also exploring direct liquidity links between AEDZ and RLUSD to allow smoother transfers between AED and USD.

Zand is also working to issue AEDZ on the XRP Ledger, a blockchain known for fast and secure payments.

Regulated Backing Behind AEDZ and RLUSD

Zand confirmed that AEDZ is fully backed 1:1 by UAE dirham reserves kept in safe and regulated accounts. The stablecoin also goes through smart contract audits and regular reserve checks.

RLUSD is backed by US dollar deposits, short-term government bonds, and cash-like assets, with regular third-party reports to ensure transparency.

This strong reserve-backed system is meant to build trust and encourage wider use by businesses and institutions.

UAE Digital Economy Gets Strong Support

Zand CEO Michael Chan, CEO said stablecoins, tokenization, and blockchain rails can reduce friction in financial systems as more services move on-chain. He noted the partnership supports wider use of trusted digital finance tools across government and business sectors.

However, Reece Merrick, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, at Ripple, said, “Our expanded partnership with Zand underscores our commitment to the UAE’s pioneering digital economy.