Ripple Boosts RLUSD Use in UAE via Zand Bank Deal

Ripple has deepened its relationship with UAE-based Zand Bank to accelerate the use of its RLUSD stablecoin and support the issuance of the dirham-backed AEDZ on the XRP Ledger.

Key Takeaways

• Ripple and Zand Bank have expanded their partnership to enhance usage of the RLUSD and AEDZ stablecoins.
• Zand’s AEDZ will be issued on the XRP Ledger, creating new liquidity bridges and expanding cross-border finance capabilities.
• RLUSD has gained regulatory traction in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with approval for use in licensed financial activities.
• The collaboration signals a broader push toward stablecoin adoption in the Middle East’s digital economy.

What Happened?

Ripple and Zand Bank are advancing their partnership to connect Ripple’s USD-pegged stablecoin RLUSD with Zand’s AED-backed stablecoin, AEDZ. This expanded effort includes asset tokenization, digital custody services, and broader use of blockchain infrastructure. The initiative strengthens Ripple’s foothold in the Middle East and aligns with the UAE’s goals for digital finance innovation.

Ripple and Zand Target Liquidity and Tokenization

Ripple confirmed the expanded partnership through a press release and public remarks by Reece Merrick, the company’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa. Merrick said the companies will explore projects involving both RRLUSD Statistics 2026: Powering Stablecoin Growth and AEDZ, focusing on custody, liquidity, and issuance on the XRP Ledger.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Custody Services: Zand will provide compliant custody for RLUSD, allowing institutions to hold the stablecoin in regulated environments.
• Liquidity Bridges: The two banks will build direct liquidity channels between RLUSD and AEDZ, simplifying cross-currency transfers and settlements.
• Stablecoin Issuance: Zand’s AEDZ stablecoin, backed by the UAE dirham, will be launched on the XRP Ledger, enabling efficient cross-border payments and expanding tokenized finance use cases.

Ripple originally partnered with Zand in 2025 to support blockchain-based cross-border payments. Zand Bank, known for its AI-powered platform and high credit standing, launched AEDZ later that year as one of the region’s first regulated dirham-backed stablecoins designed for public blockchain usage.

Regulatory Approvals Fuel RLUSD Growth

Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin continues to gain legitimacy in the Middle East. In late 2025, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market officially recognized RLUSD as an Accepted Fiat Referenced Token, allowing its use in licensed financial operations. The token had previously secured regulatory clearance from Dubai’s DFSA as well.

These endorsements have allowed RLUSD to grow steadily, with widespread institutional integrations and use in settlements and liquidity operations. RLUSD operates on blockchain rails, delivering near-instant and low-cost transactions for users in regulated markets.

In a separate boost, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has also included RLUSD in its expanded list of eligible collateral for use in regulated futures markets, framing it as a viable payment stablecoin for institutional finance.

Zand’s CEO Sees Long-Term Potential

Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank, expressed strong support for the initiative. He stated:

This partnership is part of a broader transformation in the financial sector, as stablecoins move beyond crypto trading and into real-world financial services. The UAE, in particular, has been a frontrunner in supporting blockchain adoption and regulated digital assets.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my experience watching Ripple’s global strategy, this UAE partnership is one of the most meaningful steps yet. This is not just about tech integration; it’s about changing how regional finance works. The fact that RLUSD and AEDZ will operate together under real regulatory structures is huge. It tells me that the age of compliant, stablecoin-powered finance is here. What I found especially smart is Ripple tying RLUSD to both institutional custody and liquidity rails with Zand. That combination is exactly what legacy institutions need to embrace tokenized finance.

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