Crypto19 August, 20262 min read
Bitcoin.com Integrates UAE Central Bank-Registered USDU Stablecoin Into Self-Custodial Wallet
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Bitcoin.com integrates UAE Central Bank-registered USDU into its self-custodial wallet, reaching millions. USDU is issued by Universal Digital Intl Limited and backed 1:1 by UAE-regulated reserves.
7 outlets told this the same way.
USDU enters Bitcoin.com wallet
Bitcoin.com is integrating USDU, a US dollar-backed stablecoin registered with the Central Bank of the UAE, into its self-custodial web and mobile wallet for retail users. The stablecoin is issued by Abu Dhabi-based Universal Digital and is described as the first and currently only Foreign Payment Token registered under the UAE central bank’s Payment Token Services Regulation.
Universal launched USDU in January, and the Ethereum-based token is set to be available for users to hold, send and receive through the wallet. Bitcoin.com said it plans to accept USDU for designated services and work toward enabling payments between users and merchants across its products, though availability will vary by jurisdiction.
Regulated backing and self-custody
The partnership announcement says each USDU is backed 1:1 by liquid USD reserves held with regulated UAE banks and subject to monthly independent reserve attestations. It also states that USDU’s smart contract has been independently audited, while distribution is provided by Aquanow, a VARA-licensed virtual asset service provider.
Bitcoin.com CEO Corbin Fraser said, "People shouldn’t need to be forensic accountants to know what backs the stablecoin they hold," linking the integration to USDU’s registration with the UAE central bank and monthly attested 1:1 reserves. Universal Senior Executive Officer Juha Viitala added, "Good standards only matter if people can actually use them," arguing that bringing USDU to the Bitcoin.com Wallet makes regulatory status and reserve details accessible to users.
Payments, education, and limits
Bitcoin.com says the integration will add USDU as a supported asset in the self-custodial Bitcoin.com Wallet, enabling users to hold, send, and receive USDU, with swap and buy/sell functionality expected to follow as third-party provider support becomes available.
“USDU may not be used for general payment purposes in the mainland UAE (i.e. UAE domestic payments).”
The announcement also says Bitcoin.com will accept USDU as a means of payment for designated Bitcoin.com services and work to enable USDU payments between users and merchants through its products, where permitted by applicable law.
It further specifies that USDU may be used as a means of Payment for the purchase of Digital Assets and Digital Assets Derivatives in the UAE, but "USDU may not be used for general payment purposes in the mainland UAE (i.e. UAE domestic payments)."
The partnership is paired with a joint education program, with Bitcoin.com planning in-wallet “Learn-to-Earn” content and a series of educational materials about stablecoins and USDU.