Ripple announces the expansion of its partnership with Zand Bank in the UAE, connecting its USD stablecoin RLUSD with the AED stablecoin AEDZ issued by the bank. Ripple executive Reece Merrick revealed that both parties will advance collaborations on custody, liquidity bridging, and new token issuance on the XRP Ledger, aiming to create a more efficient on-chain settlement network in the Middle East.
This upgrade builds on their early cross-border payment cooperation. In 2025, Ripple and Zand Bank first teamed up to leverage blockchain technology to provide faster, lower-cost settlement solutions for enterprises. As one of the UAE’s leading digital banks, Zand Bank operates an AI-driven platform focused on the digital economy and tokenized finance. By the end of 2025, the bank launched the AEDZ stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham, becoming one of the region’s first regulated local currency stablecoins.
RLUSD has also seen positive regulatory progress in the UAE. Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai approved its use in certain licensed scenarios by the end of 2025, enabling enterprises to conduct on-chain settlement and liquidity management within a compliant framework. Since its launch, RLUSD’s supply has continued to grow and has been integrated by multiple institutions for corporate payments and fund management.
In the new phase of cooperation, Zand Bank plans to support RLUSD within its regulated digital asset custody services, allowing institutional clients to hold and use it securely. The two parties will also establish a direct liquidity channel between RLUSD and AEDZ, making cross-border transfers faster. Additionally, Zand Bank may issue its AEDZ stablecoin on the XRP Ledger, creating a closer technical connection with the Ripple ecosystem.
This development indicates that stablecoins are evolving from mere crypto assets into real financial infrastructure. The UAE continues to promote digital asset innovation, providing a regulatory environment for tokenized payments. By connecting USD and local currency stablecoin channels, Ripple and Zand Bank are accelerating the integration of traditional finance with blockchain, opening new possibilities for on-chain settlement and cross-border trade in the Middle East.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Crypto investment inflows rebound as XRP tops weekly gains of $224M
Cryptocurrency investment products saw $224 million in inflows last week, driven primarily by XRP and Bitcoin, despite geopolitical uncertainties. Year-to-date, total inflows reached $1.2 billion, with Ether products experiencing significant outflows.
Cointelegraph5m ago
XRP Whales Accumulate as Ripple Executives Head to Key XRPL Event in Japan
XRP has gained 5% from a support level of $1.28 due to increased whale accumulation, with large holders now buying over 11 million XRP daily. Ripple executives are attending a significant XRPL event in Japan, though broader market sentiment remains cautious amid geopolitical tensions.
CryptoNewsFlash1h ago
XRP is under enormous bearish pressure, with $3.0 billion in liquidations imminent—can a breakout by bulls trigger a massive surge?
XRP’s recent price fluctuations are in the $1.339 to $1.35 range, boosted by the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks. It rose about 3% in a single day. The key resistance zone is $1.34 to $1.355; analysts say that only by breaking through this area can investors focus on higher targets. Downside support sits at $1.31 to $1.32, and if it breaks below, it could return to the consolidation range. The market is waiting for U.S. economic data, so the near-term dynamics are worth watching.
GateNews2h ago
Africa’s cryptocurrency adoption skyrockets by 52%, with regulation and mobile payments accelerating the rapid spread of digital assets
Gate News updates: Africa’s cryptocurrency market is seeing rapid growth. According to Ripple’s latest report, the total on-chain transaction value in the region grew 52% year over year, a trend closely tied to more and more countries putting clear cryptocurrency regulatory rules in place. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mauritius are gradually bringing digital assets under financial supervision, giving businesses and users greater confidence and thereby boosting cryptocurrency adoption rates.
GateNews3h ago
XRP Critical Three Weeks: U.S. Senate Legislative Progress Could Decide Whether to Break Above $1.60 or Fall Below $1.20
As the XRP price enters a key policy window, the progress of the U.S. Senate's “CLARITY Act” over the next three weeks will affect its 2026 outlook. XRP is currently trading at about $1.34; if the bill passes smoothly, it could bring in $4.0 billion to $8.0 billion in capital inflows, driving the price higher. Otherwise, it will depend on the broader macro environment and could fall to below $1.20. Policy progress is the dominant factor right now, and April will become a crucial turning point.
GateNews5h ago
