- Ripple is expanding its partnership with Zand Bank to boost RLUSD stablecoin use and connect it with AEDZ.
- This move strengthens stablecoin adoption in the UAE and gains wider regulatory recognition.
Ripple has expanded its partnership with UAE-based Zand Bank to increase adoption of its RLUSD stablecoin. The collaboration also supports interoperability with Zand Bank’s dirham-backed stablecoin, AEDZ. Launched in late 2025, AEDZ became one of the first regulated AED-backed stablecoins.
Reece Merrick, managing director of Ripple’s Middle East and Africa operations, said the partnership will explore projects connecting both stablecoins. The goal is to make cross-border payments faster and reduce transaction costs.
Last year @Ripple agreed a payments partnership with UAE bank @Official_Zand
— Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) February 10, 2026
We’re now extending this partnership to explore a range of initiatives, from enabling support for Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin within Zand’s regulated digital asset custody, to direct liquidity solutions… https://t.co/4o7nZ0z9oM
Zand Bank Champions Digital Asset Innovation
Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank, expressed excitement about the expanded collaboration. He emphasized that connecting RLUSD with AEDZ could transform how businesses and governments in the UAE use blockchain solutions.
The partnership builds on Ripple’s 2025 agreement with Zand Bank, which focused on using blockchain technology to simplify settlements and improve cross-border transaction efficiency. With RLUSD integration, Ripple aims to broaden digital asset adoption in the UAE.
RLUSD Gains Regulatory Recognition and Global Use
RLUSD continues to gain traction in the digital economy. In November 2025, it was officially recognized as an Accepted Fiat Referenced Token in Abu Dhabi, approved by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Global Market. This followed its licensing under the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) also expanded the list of eligible tokenized collateral for regulated futures markets. This allows RLUSD to qualify as a payment stablecoin for use as derivatives collateral, increasing its practical utility for institutions.
Expanding Ripple’s Digital Ecosystem
Ripple has strengthened its ecosystem beyond stablecoins. The company recently expanded custody services for institutional clients and added staking options for Solana and Ethereum. These initiatives provide more tools for global investors using Ripple’s platform.
The expanded partnership between Ripple and Zand Bank highlights the growing adoption of stablecoins in the UAE. With RLUSD gaining recognition and interoperating with AEDZ, Ripple is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s digital finance landscape.
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