Latest news with #ADIFoundation
Tahawul Tech
26-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Blockchain for Good: ADI Foundation powers a trusted, tokenised future
Guillaume de La Tour, CEO of ADI Foundation, shares how the Abu Dhabi-based non-profit is redefining global financial inclusion and digital trust with a Dirham-backed stablecoin and blockchain-powered solutions for governments and enterprises. The ADI Foundation is driving a new era of global finance by aligning advanced blockchain technologies with real-world impact. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and backed by a $120 million fund, the Foundation champions digital transformation across critical sectors—finance, sustainability, healthcare, and governance. Its flagship initiative, the AEDC stablecoin, is anchored to the UAE Dirham and designed with regulatory compliance at its core, creating a bridge between traditional banking and Web3 innovation. Guillaume de La Tour, CEO of ADI Foundation, explains how their mission is shaping inclusive digital economies, building cross-border trust, and positioning the UAE at the forefront of the global fintech revolution. Interview Excerpts: What specific role does ADI Foundation's stablecoin project play in the digital economy of the UAE, and how does it align with the country's broader blockchain and fintech strategy? ADI Foundation's AEDC stablecoin, backed by the UAE Dirham and built on a modular EVM blockchain, aims to revolutionise the UAE's digital economy with fast, inclusive, and compliant financial services. It incorporates KYC/AML and FATF compliance for privacy and regulatory adherence, fostering DeFi innovation within traditional finance to drive community solutions and establish the UAE as a leading fintech hub. Aligning with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030 and ADGM's regulations, AEDC digitises the Dirham for global interoperability with major currencies, preparing the UAE for a tokenised future. With partnerships across 20+ countries reaching nearly 500 million people, ADI Foundation bridges Web2 and Web3 to create a compliant, inclusive ecosystem supporting economic diversification. As tokenisation of all assets becomes prevalent in ten years, including national currencies for sovereignty and interoperability, AEDC positions the UAE at the forefront of this shift due to its blockchain's compliance and scalability, solidifying the UAE as a hub for instantaneous, inclusive, and interconnected global finance. 'The UAE continues to emerge as the ideal hub for a future where finance is instantaneous, inclusive, and interconnected, redefining global financial systems.' Given the UAE's focus on becoming a global fintech hub, how does the ADI Foundation plan to position itself as a leader in blockchain and digital currencies in the region? The ADI Foundation is driving global financial inclusion by deploying a blockchain with locally validated compliance at Layer 3, tailored to each region's regulations. Partnering with cutting-edge providers, we ensure localised infrastructure and AI integration on the blockchain, empowering communities with secure, scalable solutions. ADI Foundation is a transformative force, merging blockchain innovation with a mission for global financial inclusion and strategic alignment with the UAE's goal to lead fintech. By delivering regulated, accessible digital finance, ADI Foundation positions the UAE as a cornerstone of the global digital economy, fostering a future where opportunity knows no borders. What measures are being taken by ADI Foundation to build trust among institutional investors and government bodies in adopting a blockchain-based stablecoin for both cross-border payments and domestic transactions? ADI Foundation builds trust by embedding compliance and security into its EVM-based stablecoin platform with a dedicated Layer 3 for regulations like KYC/AML and FATF. Real-time monitoring and decentralized identity enhance security for cross-border and domestic transactions. Partnerships across 20 countries, impacting nearly 500 million people, demonstrate tangible results, such as enabling 70 million M-PESA users to convert mobile money to stablecoin and revolutionizing carbon credit trading with Esyasoft. ADI Foundation extends its impact to healthcare with partnerships like Apeiro, serving 55 million people with secure health information systems. Located in the UAE, ADI Foundation delivers versatile, compliant blockchain solutions across sectors, establishing itself as a trusted leader. What are some of the anticipated challenges in implementing a blockchain-based stablecoin especially when it comes to regulatory policies? I see three main challenges: Challenge #1: Navigating complex regulatory landscapes Implementing a blockchain-based stablecoin like ADI Foundation's stablecoin faces significant challenges, due to the diverse and evolving regulatory policies across jurisdictions. Governments often grapple with balancing innovation against risks, like money laundering, tax evasion, and financial instability, leading to fragmented or restrictive regulations. For instance, ensuring compliance with varying KYC/AML requirements globally, while maintaining blockchain's decentralised ethos, is a technical and diplomatic hurdle. ADI Foundation addresses this by integrating a Layer 3 compliance sublayer into its modular EVM blockchain, enabling localised regulatory alignment without compromising scalability or security. By proactively engaging with regulators in more than 20 countries, ADI Foundation builds trust and ensures stablecoin adapts to regional frameworks, mitigating the risk of regulatory pushback. Challenge #2: Ensuring interoperability amid technological disparities Another challenge is achieving interoperability between stablecoin and existing financial systems, particularly in regions with underdeveloped technological infrastructure. Legacy banking systems and disparate blockchain protocols can hinder seamless cross-border payments and domestic transactions, especially in areas with limited digital connectivity. These risks excluding the 52% of MENA's unbanked population from the digital economy. ADI Foundation tackles this challenge by designing a stablecoin with native support for cross-chain compatibility and partnering with local infrastructure providers to deploy tailored solutions. For example, our collaboration with regional tech firms ensures blockchain nodes and AI-driven services operate efficiently even in low-resource environments, fostering inclusivity and operational reliability. Challenge #3: Building public and institutional confidence Gaining trust from institutions and the public for a blockchain-based stablecoin is challenging due to past crypto volatility and skepticism about digital currencies' stability. Governments and investors may hesitate to adopt stablecoins, fearing economic disruptions or technical vulnerabilities. ADI Foundation counters this by anchoring the Dirham-backed stablecoin to the stable UAE Dirham and implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as real-time transaction monitoring and W3C-compliant decentralised identity. By showcasing successful pilots—like enabling secure healthcare data systems for 55 million people—ADI Foundation demonstrates reliability. Our transparent, community-driven approach, inviting regulators and developers to co-build ecosystems, further bridges the trust gap, positioning the ADI Foundation stablecoin as a dependable tool for global finance. The potential to change the world is tremendous, and we're just getting started.
CairoScene
29-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE Central Bank Greenlights Dirham-Backed Stablecoin
The stablecoin aims to facilitate transactions, support AI-driven applications, and enable machine-to-machine payments. Apr 29, 2025 The UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) has approved plans for a Dirham-backed stablecoin, to be issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) pending final regulatory clearance. Developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), International Holding Company (IHC), and the ADI Foundation, the digital currency will operate on the ADI blockchain – a locally developed infrastructure already deployed in over 20 countries. The stablecoin aims to facilitate everyday consumer and business transactions, support AI-driven applications, and enable machine-to-machine payments. The ADI Foundation, providing the underlying technology, confirmed the stablecoin will adhere to CBUAE compliance standards. The initiative follows regional peers like Saudi Arabia in adopting blockchain-based financial solutions.
Gulf Insider
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE to Launch Dirham-backed Stablecoin
IHC, ADQ, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have announced plans to launch a new stablecoin backed by Dirhams, which will be fully regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and issued by the UAE's largest bank, FAB (subject to regulatory approval). The new stablecoin will revolutionise the ease of making payments and doing business, both locally and globally, putting the UAE at the forefront of global blockchain innovation as a leading fintech hub, while strengthening UAE's digital infrastructure. The stablecoin backed by Dirhams is designed to enable payment for the world where identity, governance and value flow freely, securely, and verifiably. This stablecoin will be used as a reliable digital currency across a wide range of everyday scenarios – by citizens and consumers, businesses and institutions. It will also support emerging digital use cases such as machine-to-machine and AI. The new stablecoin will operate on the ADI blockchain, a cutting-edge technology developed in the UAE by the ADI Foundation, which will provide a compliant distribution network for blockchain payments. ADI Foundation connects established financial systems with next generation blockchain technology to create real-world impact, allowing citizens of emerging countries to compete and operate on a global scale, which previously would have been impossible. ADI Foundation already has strategic partnerships with governments in more than 20 countries. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADQ, said: 'The launch of the stablecoin marks a pivotal step in our commitment to strengthening the UAE's digital infrastructure ecosystem. As we move forward towards an increasingly digital and connected economy, the stablecoin will provide a solution that is secure, efficient and scalable, while creating new opportunities for growth and value creation.' Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said: 'This new stablecoin represents a major breakthrough in the development of digital currencies, and we are proud to have played a key role in its creation. By bringing IHC's expertise in blockchain and fintech, we look forward to working with our partners to explore its vast potential and drive innovation in the UAE.' Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, said: 'As a founding partner of this leading technology, FAB is proud to be at the forefront of global innovation, driving continued growth within the UAE's dynamic fintech sector. 'This new stablecoin represents a transformative step forward and will revolutionise the way both consumers and businesses engage with trusted blockchain payments in the UAE.' Guillaume de La Tour, CEO of ADI Foundation, said: 'This stablecoin marks a pivotal milestone in the UAE's journey toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered economy. By leveraging the ADI blockchain, we are enabling secure, transparent, and efficient transactions at scale — built on technology developed right here in the UAE. 'The ADI Foundation is proud to support this visionary initiative that aligns with our mission to advance sustainable digital transformation around the world.' The new stablecoin is expected to have a significant impact on various industries, including finance, commerce, and trade. Its launch marks an important step towards realising the UAE's vision of becoming a leading hub for innovation and financial technology. Also read: After UAE, India's 'Campa Cola' Makes An Entry Into Oman With Reliance
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IHC, ADQ and FAB pioneer UAE Dirham-backed stablecoin for the digital economy
The stablecoin launch led by three leading UAE entities will put the UAE at the forefront of blockchain innovation, strengthening UAE's digital infrastructure. Businesses and consumers to benefit from trusted network with the UAE's Central Bank oversight. Abu Dhabi, UAE – IHC, ADQ, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have announced plans to launch a new stablecoin backed by Dirhams, which will be fully regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and issued by the UAE's largest bank, FAB (subject to regulatory approval). The new stablecoin will revolutionize the ease of making payments and doing business, both locally and globally, putting the UAE at the forefront of global blockchain innovation as a leading fintech hub, while strengthening UAE's digital infrastructure. The stablecoin backed by Dirhams () is designed to enable payment for the world where identity, governance and value flow freely, securely, and verifiably. This stablecoin will be used as a reliable digital currency across a wide range of everyday scenarios - by citizens and consumers, businesses and institutions. It will also support emerging digital use cases such as machine-to-machine and AI. The new stablecoin will operate on the ADI blockchain, a cutting-edge technology developed in the UAE by the ADI Foundation, which will provide a compliant distribution network for blockchain payments. ADI Foundation connects established financial systems with next generation blockchain technology to create real-world impact, allowing citizens of emerging countries to compete and operate on a global scale, which previously would have been impossible. ADI Foundation already has strategic partnerships with governments in over 20 countries. H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADQ, said: "The launch of the stablecoin marks a pivotal step in our commitment to strengthening the UAE's digital infrastructure ecosystem. As we move forward towards an increasingly digital and connected economy, the stablecoin will provide a solution that is secure, efficient and scalable, while creating new opportunities for growth and value creation." Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, added:"This new stablecoin represents a major breakthrough in the development of digital currencies, and we are proud to have played a key role in its creation. By bringing IHC's expertise in blockchain and fintech, we look forward to working with our partners to explore its vast potential and drive innovation in the UAE." Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of FAB, affirmed: 'As a founding partner of this leading technology, FAB is proud to be at the forefront of global innovation, driving continued growth within the UAE's dynamic fintech sector. This new stablecoin represents a transformative step forward and will revolutionise the way both consumers and businesses engage with trusted blockchain payments in the UAE.' Guillaume de La Tour, CEO of ADI Foundation, commented: 'This stablecoin marks a pivotal milestone in the UAE's journey toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered economy. By leveraging the ADI blockchain, we are enabling secure, transparent, and efficient transactions at scale — built on technology developed right here in the UAE. The ADI Foundation is proud to support this visionary initiative that aligns with our mission to advance sustainable digital transformation around the world.' The new stablecoin is expected to have a significant impact on various industries, including finance, commerce, and trade. Its launch marks an important step towards realizing the UAE's vision of becoming a leading hub for innovation and financial technology.
Hi Dubai
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
FAB Launches UAE-Backed Stablecoin to Drive Global Blockchain Innovation
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), in partnership with ADQ and International Holding Company (IHC), has unveiled plans to launch a new UAE Dirham-backed stablecoin, marking a major step forward in the country's digital finance ambitions. The stablecoin, set to be fully regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and issued by FAB pending final approval, aims to transform how payments are made and business is conducted both locally and globally. Designed for everyday use by consumers, businesses, and institutions, it will also power emerging digital use cases such as machine-to-machine and AI-driven transactions. The new digital currency will operate on the ADI blockchain, developed in the UAE by the ADI Foundation. This cutting-edge platform is built to connect traditional financial systems with next-generation blockchain technology, enabling secure, scalable, and transparent transactions. The ADI Foundation already has strategic partnerships with governments across more than 20 countries. Leaders from all three organizations praised the initiative as a critical step in cementing the UAE's status as a global fintech hub. ADQ CEO Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi called the stablecoin 'a secure, efficient, and scalable solution,' while IHC's Syed Basar Shueb highlighted it as a 'major breakthrough' in digital currency development. FAB CEO Hana Al Rostamani said the bank is proud to lead blockchain innovation in the region. Guillaume de La Tour, CEO of the ADI Foundation, emphasized that the launch represents 'a pivotal milestone in the UAE's journey toward a digitally empowered economy.' The stablecoin is expected to play a transformative role across industries, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in innovation and financial technology. News Source: Emirates News Agency
