Liv, the UAE’s leading digital bank by Emirates NBD, has teamed up with Universal Digital Intl Ltd and Aquanow ME FZE to introduce USDU, the first Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)-registered USD-backed stablecoin, into its ecosystem. This collaboration bridges traditional banking with digital assets, offering a secure and regulated experience for Liv customers. Universal issues USDU, which is backed 1:1 by physical US dollar reserves held with UAE banks and verified through monthly attestations. Aquanow provides the regulated infrastructure for USDU distribution and Liv X crypto trading.
The integration allows Liv customers to manage both traditional banking and digital asset portfolios within a single, secure environment. Rohit Garg, Group Head of Retail Products and Chief Digital Officer of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, highlighted the bank’s commitment to financial innovation aligned with the UAE’s digital economy goals. The partnership with Universal and Aquanow empowers customers to participate in the digital asset economy within a trusted banking framework.
To celebrate the launch, Liv is offering a three-month zero-fee trading campaign to accelerate adoption. Phil Sham, CEO of Aquanow, emphasized the importance of regulated digital asset access at bank-grade standards. Juha Viitala, Senior Executive Officer at Universal, noted that USDU’s integration into Liv’s app demonstrates the potential of CBUAE-registered digital assets when combined with regulated distribution partners and leading banks.
Emirates NBD, a major banking group in the MENATSA region, continues to lead in digital banking innovation. With total assets of AED 1.38 trillion as of September 2026, the group serves over 25 million active customers across 13 countries. The launch of USDU and the promotional campaign aim to attract both new and experienced users to the enhanced platform.