Tether, the world’s largest digital asset company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to explore digital asset education, blockchain infrastructure, and real-world asset tokenization in Kenya. The partnership aims to connect traditional financial markets with blockchain technology by improving settlement efficiency and expanding investment access. The collaboration will investigate Hadron’s role in tokenizing securities for faster settlements and fractional investing. The initiative also includes digital asset education workshops for brokers and retail traders, along with evaluating USD₮ for use as a settlement layer.
Tether, the world’s largest digital asset company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to explore digital asset education, blockchain infrastructure, and real-world asset tokenization opportunities in Kenya.
The partnership aims to connect traditional financial markets with blockchain technology by improving settlement efficiency, expanding investment access, and supporting the modernization of Kenya’s capital market infrastructure.
Established in 1954, the NSE is one of Africa’s leading financial markets, offering equities, debt securities, and derivatives trading. With a market capitalization of around $26.4 billion, the exchange supports Kenya’s economic growth by connecting companies with investors.
As a result of the collaboration, Tether and NSE will investigate blockchain infrastructure using distributed ledger technology. The project will examine Hadron’s role in tokenizing securities and how it enables quick settlements, transparency, and fractional investing.
The collaboration will include digital asset education through workshops and training sessions for NSE brokers and retail traders. The objective is to increase blockchain knowledge while enabling participants to learn about the potential and pitfalls of new technology.
Tether and NSE will also work on secure onboarding methods that conform to Kenya’s regulatory policies for know-your-customer and anti-money laundering requirements. The two companies will evaluate USD₮ for use as a settlement layer.
The collaboration aligns with Tether’s broader mission of increasing blockchain adoption in Africa. This year, the firm has already collaborated with UNODC to increase cybersecurity awareness, prevent digital asset scams, and promote safe blockchain adoption.
Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, noted that the deal is part of the company’s strategy to promote digital assets in institutions by having clear and efficient financial systems. Frank Mwiti, CEO of the NSE, added that this deal fits with the 2025 to 2029 vision of the exchange.
The next stage will involve pilot projects and finding blockchain-based solutions. If successful, the initiative would enhance Nairobi’s reputation as a blockchain hub and demonstrate how digital assets can transform conventional financial markets.
