AE Coin Expands as Nephos Becomes First Firm to Accept Regulated AED Stablecoin in Professional Services

The UAE’s regulated stablecoin ecosystem is extending into new sectors, with AE Coin now being accepted by Nephos Group, marking the first time a professional services firm in the region has enabled payments using a Central Bank-licensed AED-backed digital currency.

This development shows a shift in how stablecoins are being used across the United Arab Emirates, as adoption begins to move beyond trading and remittances into everyday commercial transactions. It also highlights growing momentum around regulated digital payment infrastructure in the country.

Stablecoins Enter Professional Services

Nephos Group, which serves a client base of approximately 500 businesses, is expected to play a key role in expanding AE Coin’s reach within the professional services sector. Through its network, the integration could extend access to stablecoin-based payments to a significantly larger ecosystem of end users, reflecting the broader potential for enterprise adoption.

Clients of the firm can now use the AEC Wallet to settle invoices using AE Coin, enabling near-instant transactions and reducing reliance on traditional banking processes that often involve delays and intermediaries.

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, Chief Executive Officer of Al Maryah Community Bank, said the expansion reflects a broader effort to develop practical digital financial infrastructure aligned with the UAE’s evolving economy. He noted that the integration demonstrates how regulated digital payments are becoming increasingly relevant for businesses seeking efficiency and improved client experiences.

Expanding the Role of Regulated Digital Payments

The AEC Wallet, which supports sending, receiving, and paying in AE Coin, is designed to meet demand for compliant digital payment solutions. Fully backed one-to-one by the UAE dirham, the stablecoin aims to provide stability and transparency for users operating within regulated environments.

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, said the integration reflects a broader trend of stablecoins moving beyond trading activity into practical business use cases.

The adoption of AE Coin by Nephos Group also builds on its expanding presence across both public and private sectors in the UAE, including use cases in government services and industries such as retail, hospitality, and mobility.

Efficiency Gains and Operational Impact

By integrating the AEC Wallet, Nephos Group is introducing a payment model that enables faster settlement and lower transaction costs compared to traditional methods such as card payments or international bank transfers. The system allows for direct wallet-to-business transactions, removing intermediaries and offering more transparent pricing through a currency pegged to the dirham.

Joe David, CEO and Founder of Nephos Group, said the shift reflects a broader evolution in financial infrastructure, particularly for firms operating across multiple jurisdictions where payment efficiency is critical.

While sectors such as retail and remittances have led early adoption of digital currencies, professional services have largely remained tied to conventional banking systems.

The integration of AE Coin into this segment suggests an early shift toward digital-first payment models within advisory and service-based industries.