AE Coin, the UAE’s first stablecoin licensed by the Central Bank and backed by the AED, has expanded its reach into the professional services industry. The digital currency is now accepted by Nephos Group, making it the first firm of its kind in the region to process payments via a regulated stablecoin.
Quick Facts
- Nephos Group is first professional services firm to accept AE Coin.
- AE Coin is a 1:1 AED-backed, CBUAE-licensed stablecoin.
- The deal targets Nephos’s client base of around 500 businesses.
From Exchanges to Invoices
The integration signals a notable shift for regulated digital currencies in the UAE, moving them from crypto exchanges and remittance platforms into day-to-day commercial transactions. While sectors like retail have been early adopters, the professional services industry has largely stuck to traditional banking. This partnership marks an early move by an advisory firm to adopt a digital-first payment system.
“We’re seeing regulated stablecoins move beyond trading activity and into real-world business transactions,” said Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin. “Bringing professional services into the AEC ecosystem is an important step in making digital payments a practical option for companies operating in regulated environments.”
Instant Settlements for a Growing Client Base
Through the AEC Wallet, Nephos Group clients can now settle invoices in seconds. The firm, which specializes in accounting for the crypto and blockchain sectors, sees the move as a significant upgrade to its payment infrastructure, especially for clients operating across different jurisdictions.
The benefits include faster settlement times compared to bank transfers, reduced transaction costs, and transparent pricing due to the direct AED peg.
“Stablecoins are moving from the edges of finance into core business operations,” noted Joe David, CEO & Founder at Nephos Group. “For firms like ours, where clients operate across jurisdictions, the ability to settle payments instantly in a regulated digital currency is a meaningful improvement on traditional payment infrastructure.”
With Nephos Group serving approximately 500 businesses, the partnership could potentially introduce AE Coin-based payments to a wider network of nearly half a million end-users.
Building the UAE’s Digital Payment Rails
The collaboration with Nephos Group adds to AE Coin’s growing list of integrations across both public and private sectors, which already includes government service payments, retail, hospitality, and mobility.
Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, commented on the development: “AE Coin reflects our vision of building practical, future-ready financial infrastructure that supports the UAE’s digital economy. Seeing AE Coin expand into professional services through this partnership with Nephos Group demonstrates how regulated digital payments are becoming a real solution for businesses.”
About AE Coin
AE Coin is a stable digital currency regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, offering secure, transparent, and efficient financial services. Focused on local payments, DeFi integration, and innovative rewards systems, AE Coin is redefining how users interact with digital money.
About Nephos Group
Nephos Group is a professional services firm specializing in accounting for the crypto and blockchain sectors. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services that include crypto tax planning, crypto accounting, institutional support, and decentralized finance (DeFi) consulting.
Source: Zawya
