In a groundbreaking move, IDA, a prominent Hong Kong-based stablecoin issuer, has joined forces with Zand Bank, the UAE’s first fully licensed all-digital bank, to transform cross-border transactions. This partnership reflects a commitment to expanding financial innovation and economic connectivity between Asia and the Middle East, with a focus on digital transformation, transparency, and cost-effective transactions.
Zand Bank, established as a digital-first bank, provides a broad suite of banking services designed for corporate, institutional, and wealth management clients in the UAE and beyond. With the support of blockchain technology and AI-driven systems, Zand Bank’s collaboration with IDA aims to simplify and accelerate cross-border payments, opening up 24/7 digital payment options across the Belt and Road regions and BRICS Plus countries. This new payment infrastructure promises significant benefits, including streamlined transaction processes, heightened transparency, and stability through stablecoins, making cross-border payments more accessible for businesses and enhancing economic collaboration across emerging and established markets.
Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank, remarked on the partnership’s potential, emphasizing its role in strengthening the connection between the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and China.
“Together, we are committed to fostering greater economic collaboration and growth opportunities,” said Chan. “By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we are creating a reliable and accessible network for cross-border transactions.”
This collaboration not only aligns with Zand Bank’s digital strategy but also supports the UAE’s economic ambitions within the Belt and Road Initiative. Sean Lee, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at IDA, underscored the partnership’s alignment with broader goals of financial innovation and digital transformation.
“The integration of stablecoins into cross-border payments,” he noted, “will deliver unprecedented transparency and stability, ensuring businesses can transact with confidence and ease.”
Both the UAE and Hong Kong play significant roles as financial hubs in their respective regions, with strong growth in trade and strategic collaboration. The UAE, with Hong Kong as a gateway to China, continues to build international ties in support of sustainable economic growth, as seen in the recent acceleration in trade between the two regions. Through this collaboration, IDA and Zand Bank set a new benchmark in the fintech sector, poised to make a lasting impact on digital finance and global commerce.