Universal launched USDU, the first USD stablecoin registered by the UAE central bank under PTSR, with 1:1 backed reserves held onshore.
Universal Digital Intl Limited, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, has become the first Foreign Payment Token Issuer registered by the Central Bank of the UAE.
The company also announced the launch of USDU, which it described as the first USD-backed stablecoin registered as a Foreign Payment Token under the UAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation.
Universal positioned the registration as a milestone for the UAE’s regulated digital-asset infrastructure, and said USDU provides a compliant USD-denominated settlement option for digital assets in the country.
“USDU sets a new benchmark for regulated digital value,” said Juha Viitala, SEO of Universal. “Being the first Foreign Payment Token registered by the UAE Central Bank – and supported by leading UAE banks – gives institutions the clarity and confidence they have been waiting for. It lays the groundwork for a more transparent and efficient digital-asset market in the UAE and beyond.”
Under the Payment Token Services Regulation, the company said payments for digital assets and digital-asset derivatives in the UAE may only be conducted in fiat or a Registered Foreign Payment Token, making registered tokens central to compliant settlement.
USDU is currently the first and only token registered under the framework, which establishes a clearer pathway for compliant USD stablecoin settlement.
USDU reserves are held 1:1 in safeguarded onshore accounts at Emirates NBD and Mashreq, with Mbank acting as a strategic corporate banking partner. Universal’s reserves are independently attested each month by a global accounting firm, and the approach supposedly aligns with emerging transparency standards seen in regulated regimes.
Universal has also partnered with Aquanow as a global distribution partner to expand institutional access to USDU across multiple markets. The collaboration is intended to support compliant uptake and integration via an existing network of regulated service providers.
“Universal’s introduction of USDU underscores the continued maturation of regulated digital settlement assets. Aquanow’s platform is built to support this evolution by providing institutions with secure, compliant market access, and we are pleased to support the distribution of USDU,” said Phil Sham, CEO, Aquanow.
Beyond the UAE, Universal aims to connect with international digital asset markets via USDU, and the firm is developing an expanded ecosystem.
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