UAE Central Bank Greenlights Zand’s Regulated AED Stablecoin

Think of it as the digital dirham, ready for prime time.

Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance

Zand AED isn’t just another stablecoin; it’s a carefully crafted bridge between the established world of traditional finance and the burgeoning realm of decentralized finance (DeFi). Backed one-to-one with the UAE’s national currency, it promises stability and transparency, two critical elements often missing in the wild west of crypto.

The stablecoin boasts independent audits of its smart contracts and reserve attestations, ensuring accountability. It’s also designed to operate across multiple public blockchains, fostering seamless integration for developers, enterprises, and financial institutions alike.

Key Features of the New Stablecoin

• Fully backed 1:1 with the UAE Dirham
• Transparency through audited smart contracts
• Multi-chain compatibility for wider accessibility
• Issued by a regulated and licensed entity (Zand Bank PJSC)

Leadership Perspective

The launch of Zand AED has been met with enthusiasm from Zand’s leadership, who see it as a pivotal moment for both the bank and the UAE’s financial future.

“Launching an AED-backed stablecoin on public blockchains is not simply a milestone for Zand. It is a breakthrough for the UAE. This initiative carries our national currency into the digital future and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global leader in financial innovation.”

Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the stablecoin’s potential to unlock new opportunities in payments, tokenization, and digital asset innovation.

“Zand AED is more than a stablecoin. It is the UAE’s bridge between traditional finance and decentralized finance. It unlocks the next generation of payments, tokenization, and digital asset innovation. All of it is built on trust, transparency, and regulatory clarity.”

Strategic Market Positioning

With projections estimating the global stablecoin market could reach $3 trillion in the coming years, Zand AED strategically positions the UAE at the forefront of this burgeoning sector. It provides a secure and regulated digital foundation for institutions, fintech startups, and developers looking to build within one of the world’s most technologically advanced financial ecosystems.

The Broader Impact

The implications are vast. Imagine frictionless cross-border payments, tokenized real estate, and a new wave of DeFi applications built on a foundation of trust and regulatory clarity. Zand AED isn’t just a stablecoin; it’s a catalyst for innovation, poised to reshape the future of finance in the UAE and beyond.