In a significant development within the blockchain and fintech sectors, the Kaia DLT Foundation and LINE NEXT have unveiled plans for a stablecoin-powered web3 super-app, tentatively named “Project Unify.” This initiative aims to enhance digital financial services and streamline payments across Asia, capitalizing on the popularity of stablecoins.
The app is designed to function as both a standalone service managed by Kaia and an integrated component within LINE Messenger, an application boasting 250 million monthly active users globally, as well as the communication platform KakaoTalk. Initial testing of a beta version is anticipated to commence later this year, focusing on major markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Youngsu Ko, CEO of LINE NEXT, remarked on the dual importance of stability and potential that stablecoins provide, stating the project seeks to spearhead the expansion of Asia’s stablecoin ecosystem. This super-app is envisioned as an accessible and secure entry point for users navigating the digital financial landscape.
Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation, elaborated on the project’s overarching goals. He noted that Project Unify seeks to unify the fragmented payment systems across Asia through a stablecoin orchestration layer, with a mission to enhance cross-border financial inclusion. “Project Unify is Kaia’s strategic project to seize the opportunity in dominating the Asian stablecoin market, offering diverse convenience-enhancing fintech and entertaining services,” he said.
The app aims to build on the traction generated by the launch of Mini Dapps on LINE earlier this year, which saw over 130 million new users. The Unify app will be accessible via web, mobile, and within LINE Messenger, further expanding its reach.
Project Unify plans to offer a myriad of stablecoin-based services, including yield generation, payment solutions, remittances, on- and off-ramps, as well as access to more than 100 web3 applications. Users will be able to deposit stablecoins into their wallets to take advantage of real-time rewards, facilitate token transfers through LINE messages, make payments to various merchants globally, and access cashback programs.
To enhance its functionality, the platform will support stablecoins pegged to multiple Asian currencies, including the U.S. dollar, Japanese yen, Thai baht, Korean won, Indonesian rupiah, Philippine peso, Malaysian ringgit, and Singapore dollar. By consolidating these currencies, Kaia aims to establish Unify as a pivotal platform for payments, issuance, and yield opportunities in the fragmented payments market across Asia.
In recent months, Kaia DLT Foundation has engaged in strategic partnerships to further its mission in the web3 sphere. Notably, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan Mobile to foster the development of decentralized applications, hybrid financial solutions, and compliant DeFi protocols in Taiwan. The collaboration is expected to enhance the adoption of these technologies and reduce barriers for mainstream users.
Additionally, in August, Kaia entered into a partnership with South Korean fintech company DaWinKS. This venture focuses on enabling tourists to conveniently convert USDT into cash or prepaid transit cards at key tourist locations, including N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong.
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Project Unify represent a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology and stablecoins into everyday financial transactions, particularly across the diverse and rapidly developing markets of Asia.