Cardano’s Cross-Border Privacy Remittance Layer for UAE-EGY

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Cardano’s Cross-Border Privacy Remittance Layer for UAE-EGY

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

200000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

12

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Global remittances remain slow, costly, and opaque, with fees often above 6% and multi-day settlement. The UAE–Egypt corridor faces high costs, delays, and low transparency.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://pravica.io/
,
• https://github.com/PravicaInc
,
• https://www.s3.money/
,
• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-25/stablecoin-use-for-payments-jumps-70-since-us-regulation
,
• https://www.stablecoin.fyi/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

Mobile wallet and IPN connectivity and KYC/AML compliance provider

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

Please provide details on the intellectual property (IP) status of your project outputs, including whether they will be released as open source or retained under another licence.

Yes, smart contracts, privacy layer logic, and integration modules will be open-sourced post-audit under MIT/BSD-style license.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Financial Services

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously launched in the market (whether by you or others).

REMI introduces a remittance model that does not exist today in the UAE–Egypt corridor, or in most global corridors, by combining privacy, stablecoin settlement, and regulated local payout rails into one unified protocol.

Traditional remittance operators rely on chains of intermediaries, slow settlement, and full exposure of user data across multiple centralized entities. Even Web3 solutions offering cross-border transfers still lack compliant off-ramps, privacy guarantees, or integration with real national payment networks.

REMI is the first system to offer:

1. Privacy-Preserving Cross-Border Transfers - Using zero-knowledge proofs and a shielded transfer pool, users can send money without exposing personal transaction details, unlike traditional MTOs or blockchain explorers.
2. Stablecoin Settlement Using USDA/USDM - Transfers move through fully backed, compliant stablecoins, eliminating FX delays and enabling instant settlement between countries regardless of banking hours.
3. Instant, Real-World Payouts Through Egypt’s IPN & Mobile Wallets - By connecting directly to Egypt’s Instant Payment Network (via Pravica’s PSP licence), REMI offers instant cash-out to: 1. Bank accounts 2. Instapay 3. Vodafone Cash 4. Orange Money 5. Etisalat Cash 6. Telecom Egypt Wallets
   1. This level of national integration does not exist in any blockchain remittance product today.
4. Pre-Funded Off-Ramping Liquidity Pool (OLP) - Users do not wait days for bank settlement. The OLP pays recipients instantly, while reconciliation happens in the background—removing the main bottleneck of Web3-to-fiat conversions.
5. **Compliance at the Edges, Not the Transfer Layer **- KYC/AML is performed at on-ramps and off-ramps, while the transfer itself remains private. This preserves user confidentiality while remaining fully regulator-friendly.
6. Corridor-Specific, Not Generic - Most blockchain remittance solutions are global but impractical. REMI is tailored to the UAE–Egypt corridor, a top-five global remittance route, allowing for deep, real-world adoption rather than theoretical use.
7. **Built by a Licensed PSP With Existing Rails **- Pravica already holds the required PSP licence in Egypt. This removes years of regulatory friction and allows REMI to immediately plug into national infrastructure.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

The REMI MVP will demonstrate the full privacy preserving remittance workflow on Cardano testnet, showing how a user can deposit USDA or USDM, convert to private REMI tokens, perform shielded transfers using zero knowledge proofs, and redeem locally through simulated Egypt off ramps.

The prototype will include:

1. Smart Contract Testnet Deployment
   1. A live testnet implementation of the REMI shielded pool, ZKP verification logic, and mint or burn mechanism mapped to USDA and USDM. Users will be able to execute private transfers end to end on Cardano.
2. Walletify Integration (Testnet Build)
   1. A working frontend and UI that allows users to:
      1. Deposit USDA or USDM on testnet
      2. Generate and submit ZK proofs
      3. Privately transfer REMI tokens
      4. Redeem them through simulated payout channels
         1. This client will be accessible through a downloadable test build or browser demo.
3. Off Ramp Simulation Layer
   1. A complete simulation of Egypt’s payout infrastructure including bank IPN transfers, mobile wallets, and cash out points, driven by a pre funded Off Ramping Liquidity Pool (OLP).
   2. Users will see real time confirmation of simulated payouts, KYC checks, and liquidity events.
4. Metrics Dashboard
   1. A live dashboard showing testnet KPIs including:
      1. Transaction time
      2. Proof verification success
      3. Cost efficiency
      4. Privacy validation
      5. UX performance indicators
5. Public Access
   1. All prototype components will be accessible through:
      1. A public GitHub repository containing smart contracts, ZKP logic, and architecture documentation
      2. A hosted demo of the Walletify REMI testnet build
      3. A published simulation dashboard
      4. A downloadable pilot report summarizing performance and results

This MVP demonstrates the complete journey from UAE side deposit to Egypt side redemption (simulated), proving that REMI can deliver fast, private, compliant cross border remittances using Cardano native stablecoins and real world payout rails.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

1. Technical Performance Metrics

• Transaction Success Rate: Percentage of testnet transactions executed successfully from deposit to off-ramp. Target: ≥95% in pilot.
• Transaction Speed: Average time per transaction, from sender initiation to recipient off-ramp redemption. Target: ≤2 minutes on testnet.
• Gas/Fees Efficiency: Average cost per transaction (testnet equivalent), demonstrating low-cost capability. Target: <0.5% of transfer amount.

2. Privacy & Security Metrics

• ZKP Verification: All shielded transactions must successfully validate on-chain. Target: 100% of test transactions verified without errors.
• Data Confidentiality: No sender, receiver, or amount information should be exposed publicly. Verification: Independent audit and internal testing.

3. User Adoption & Engagement Metrics

• Pilot User Participation: Number of participants completing end-to-end transfers. Target: 20–30 users in UAE–Egypt pilot.
• User Satisfaction Score: Collected via surveys and in-app feedback. Target: ≥80% positive feedback on usability and clarity.
• Iteration Rate: Number of improvements implemented based on user feedback. Target: At least 3 significant iterations before final evaluation.
• Community Engagement: Number of participants interacting with Walletify demo and providing feedback. Target: ≥50 engaged participants including developers, testers, and early adopters.

4. Pilot Evaluation Metrics

• Off-Ramp Flexibility: Demonstrate functionality of all three off-ramp options (bank, mobile wallet, cash pickup). Target: All paths successfully tested in pilot.
• Compliance Verification: Ensure AML/KYC simulation works for every pilot transaction. Target: 100% compliance in pilot simulation.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

The REMI Protocol is a privacy-preserving stablecoin remittance system built on Cardano, enabling instant, low-cost, and confidential cross-border payments. It bridges the gap between traditional fiat remittances and on-chain stablecoins by combining zero-knowledge privacy, USDA/USDM stablecoin reserves, and regulated payout rails including bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup locations.

REMI uses a shielded ZKP pool, private REMI token transfers, and an Off-Ramping Liquidity Pool (OLP) to ensure instant payouts in EGP, while maintaining compliance at off-ramps and full privacy on-chain.

Why This Solution is Unique

• Privacy + Compliance: REMI combines on-chain confidentiality with off-chain regulatory compliance, solving a major limitation of existing blockchain remittances.
• Real-World Utility: Directly targets a high-volume corridor (UAE to Egypt) to demonstrate measurable impact.
• Cardano-Native Stablecoins: Leverages USDA and USDM for fully on-chain, stable-value transfers.
• Modular & Scalable: Architecture allows future expansion to multiple corridors, additional off-ramps, and increased transaction volume.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

REMI drives real-world adoption of the ADA ecosystem by enabling the utility of Cardano-native stablecoins (USDA/USDM) beyond speculation. It demonstrates Cardano as infrastructure for remittances, privacy and financial inclusion. It brings new users, migrant workers and SMEs onto Cardano, creates real stablecoin volume, and demonstrates a regulatory-compliant on-chain payment path.

In particular:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a major crypto hub with strong adoption among expatriates, SMEs and migrant communities.
• There are about 400,000 Egyptians living in the UAE, many of whom regularly send remittances home.
• The UAE hosts over 557,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing around 63.5% of its non-oil GDP.
• Despite this volume of remittance-senders and SMEs, the off-ramping flows into Egypt via seamless crypto-onramp/off-ramp channels are not yet well-established.

By offering a first-mover privacy-enabled, regulated remittance corridor from UAE to Egypt, REMI establishes Cardano as the first blockchain to power such a flow with mobile-wallet integration, stablecoin utility and real-world measurable impact.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & Feasibility

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

The REMI Protocol is led by Pravica, a MENA blockchain-native infrastructure company with proven execution across fintech, decentralized identity, and tokenized financial systems.

Pravica has already built and operates S3.MONEY, a production-grade, enterprise-level tokenization and payments infrastructure that enables regulated issuance and management of stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and compliant digital money flows.

Pravica has been active in Egypt’s fintech ecosystem since 2019, working within local compliance expectations and regulatory frameworks, and participating in the evolution of digital payments and crypto-linked financial rails in the country. This gives the team deep context in:

• MENA financial regulation
• Payment system licensing structures
• Stablecoin-backed money movement
• Remittance architecture and corridor routing
• Mobile money integration and consumer fintech UX

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Privacy Layer Architecture & Design

Milestone Outputs

Conduct a complete pilot test of the REMI protocol on Cardano testnet simulating real UAE to Egypt remittances. Collect insights on privacy, cost efficiency, UX, performance, and payout mechanisms. Results will guide mainnet readiness and regulatory approval discussions.

Outputs:

• At least 20 full sender, private transfer and payout journeys executed
• Metrics dashboard tracking:
  • Transaction time
  • Cost efficiency
  • Privacy guarantees
  • Stability and UX indicators
• Pilot evaluation report with:
  • Learnings
  • Iteration backlog
  • Scalability roadmap

Acceptance Criteria

• ≥20 pilot users complete transaction journey successfully
• Average full transaction time ≤ 2 minutes
• Fees measured <0.5% (testnet equivalent)
• Privacy confirmed: sender/receiver/amount fully hidden
• Final report accepted by core team and published

Evidence of Completion

• Full technical architecture document covering privacy layer, shielded pool, ZKP model, and USDA/USDM mapping
• System and flow diagrams for deposit, private transfer, and redemption
• ZKP feasibility validation report confirming testnet compatibility
• GitHub commits with documented contract structures and interaction patterns
• Internal technical review and approval from core team

Delivery Month

3

Cost

28000

Progress

10 %

Milestone Title

Smart Contract Prototype Development

Milestone Outputs

This milestone includes the development and deployment of the privacy-preserving smart contracts for the REMI protocol on Cardano testnet. The contracts include the shielded pool, minting and burning mechanisms, and proof verification. Functional tests will validate end-to-end private transfers, ensuring proper state transitions and proof validation.

Outputs:

• Shielded pool smart contracts implemented and deployed on testnet
• ZKP validation contracts implemented
• USDA/USDM mapping logic for REMI token minting and burning
• Test scripts and deployment scripts
• Ability to run full deposit, shield, private transfer and redemption pipeline

Acceptance Criteria

• Smart contracts successfully deployed to testnet
• ZKP-based private transactions execute correctly
• ≥50 end-to-end test transactions executed without failures
• Internal audit review completed before next milestone

Evidence of Completion

• Shielded pool and ZKP smart contracts deployed on Cardano testnet
• USDA/USDM mint and burn logic implemented
• End-to-end testnet transactions executed successfully (≥50)
• Test scripts and deployment tools documented in public GitHub repo
• Internal audit review completed and signed off by core devs

Delivery Month

6

Cost

55000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Wallet Integration & Frontend Prototype

Milestone Outputs

Integration of the wallet client (Walletify) with the ZKP layer, enabling users to generate proof locally and interact with the privacy smart contract. A prototype UI will allow users to deposit, shield, transfer, and redeem privately. Edge cases and user errors will be handled gracefully.

Outputs:

• Walletify testnet build supporting private transfer workflow
• Working UI screens and transaction flow
• Internal telemetry and logs for debugging

Acceptance Criteria

• A user can complete a private testnet transfer end-to-end
• Local proof generation functions correctly and is accepted on-chain
• Failed-proof and invalid-state conditions produce user-friendly errors
• Tested by ≥5 internal users with recorded feedback

Evidence of Completion

• Walletify testnet build delivered with full private transfer workflow
• Functional UI screens for deposit, shielding, transfer, and redemption
• Local proof generation integrated and successfully verified on testnet
• User friendly error handling and invalid state responses implemented
• Internal telemetry and logs confirming correct behavior
• Tested by at least five internal users with recorded feedback

Delivery Month

8

Cost

47000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Off-Ramp Simulation & Compliance Layer

Milestone Outputs

Build a realistic simulation of payout infrastructure for Egypt, including mobile wallets, IPN-based bank transfers, and cash pickup. This includes compliance workflows (AML/KYC), payout retry logic, and liquidity management for the Off-Ramp Liquidity Pool (OLP).

Outputs:

• Fully functional payout simulation (bank, wallet, cash)
• Documented compliance workflow and integration boundaries
• Liquidity behavior simulation including:
  • Utilization levels (20–40%)
  • Refill events
  • Failure behavior

Acceptance Criteria

• Test users can convert REMI tokens into simulated fiat payout
• AML/KYC simulation triggers correctly without exposing private data
• All payout paths validated with 10–20 simulated recipients
• KPI performance logged for evaluation

Evidence of Completion

• Fully functional payout simulation delivered covering bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash out
• Compliance workflow documented, including AML and KYC boundaries
• Liquidity behavior simulation implemented with utilization levels, refill events, and failure behavior
• Test users successfully converted REMI tokens into simulated fiat payouts
• AML and KYC triggers executed correctly without exposing private data
• All payout paths validated with 10 to 20 simulated recipients
• KPI results logged and compiled for evaluation

Delivery Month

10

Cost

45000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Pilot Test & Evaluation

Milestone Outputs

Conduct a complete pilot test of the REMI protocol on Cardano testnet simulating real UAE to Egypt remittances. Collect insights on privacy, cost efficiency, UX, performance, and payout mechanisms. Results will guide mainnet readiness and regulatory approval discussions.

Outputs:

• At least 20 full sender, private transfer and payout journeys executed

• Metrics dashboard tracking:

  • Transaction time
  • Cost efficiency
  • Privacy guarantees
  • Stability and UX indicators

• Pilot evaluation report with:

  • Learnings
  • Iteration backlog
  • Scalability roadmap

Acceptance Criteria

• ≥20 pilot users complete transaction journey successfully
• Average full transaction time ≤ 2 minutes
• Fees measured <0.5% (testnet equivalent)
• Privacy confirmed: sender/receiver/amount fully hidden
• Final report accepted by core team and published

Evidence of Completion

• At least twenty full sender to receiver pilot journeys completed on Cardano testnet
• Metrics dashboard delivered showing transaction time, fees, privacy status, stability, and UX indicators
• Pilot evaluation report produced including learnings, iteration backlog, and scalability roadmap
• Average transaction time confirmed at two minutes or less
• Fees measured below 0.5 percent in testnet equivalent
• Privacy validation confirming sender, receiver, and amount remain fully hidden
• Final pilot report reviewed, approved, and published by the core team

Delivery Month

12

Cost

25000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: 28,000 ADA

• Lead Blockchain Architect: 11,000 ADA
  • (Designs the ZK architecture, system flows, and proving/verification model)
• Smart Contract Engineer: 7,500 ADA
  • (Defines shielded pool structure, mint/burn framework, and UTXO constraints)
• Compliance and Regulatory Specialist: 3,500 ADA
  • (Defines AML/KYC boundaries and privacy-compliance interplay)
• Technical Writer & Systems Analyst: 3,000 ADA
  • (Produces architecture specs, diagrams, and documentation)
• Product & Project Oversight: 3,000 ADA
  • (Reviews, alignment calls, milestone approvals)

Milestone 2: 55,000 ADA

• Senior Smart Contract Engineer: 22,000 ADA
  • (Develops shielded pool contracts, mint/burn logic, proof verification hooks)
• Zero-Knowledge Engineer: 13,000 ADA
  • (Proof generation circuits, verification logic optimization for Cardano)
• Backend & Test Infrastructure Engineer: 8,500 ADA
  • (Automated testing, deployment scripts, integration validation)
• Internal Security Reviewer: 6,000 ADA
  • (Code review, logic consistency checks before next milestone)
• Project Oversight: 5,500 ADA
  • (Sprint planning, QA cycles, stakeholder reporting)

Milestone 3: 47,000 ADA

• Frontend Engineer (React/TS/Wallet workflows): 14,000 ADA
  • (Prototype UI supporting deposit, shield, transfer, redeem)
• Wallet/Client Engineer: 13,000 ADA
  • (Walletify integration, local proof generation, signing logic)
• UX & User Flows Designer: 6,500 ADA
  • (User flow mapping, error-handling design, usability prototyping)
• QA & Test Engineering: 5,500 ADA
  • (Manual + automated wallet-level validation across flows)
• Project Oversight & Iteration Reviews: 8,000 ADA
  • (User testing coordination and stabilization cycles)

Milestone 4: 45,000 ADA

• Backend Engineer (Payout Simulation + API logic): 14,500 ADA
  • (Integrates simulated bank/wallet/cash payout layer and retry logic)
• Compliance & Fintech Analyst: 9,000 ADA
  • (Builds AML/KYC simulation flow and boundary rules without revealing private data)
• Simulation Architect: 8,500 ADA
  • (Payout liquidity model, utilization logic, failure events)
• QA Engineer: 6,000 ADA
  • (Test coverage for simulated payout pathways)
• Project Lead & Reporting: 7,000 ADA
  • (Scenario evaluation, test coordination, compliance alignment)

Milestone 5: 25,000 ADA

• Pilot Coordinator & Operations: 7,500 ADA
  • (User onboarding, support, pilot orchestration)
• Data Analyst: 5,500 ADA
  • (Metrics dashboard, UX telemetry, success reporting)
• Technical Engineer (Support & Fixes): 5,500 ADA
  • (Runtime fixes, testnet tuning, operational monitoring)
• Documentation and Reporting Writer: 3,500 ADA
  • (Pilot report, learnings, scalability roadmap)
• Project Oversight & Final Delivery: 3,000 ADA
  • (Evaluation, approvals, publication)

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

The requested funding delivers tangible infrastructure, not theoretical exploration. This includes a functioning privacy remittance layer on Cardano testnet, stablecoin-powered financial flows, Walletify integration, and a validated real-world corridor (UAE to Egypt).

The outcome is a repeatable blueprint for compliant cross-border settlement using USDA/USDM, with mobile wallet and banking payout capability. This creates measurable economic activity on Cardano, drives recurring stablecoin velocity, and unlocks adoption from non-crypto native users.

[Self-Assessment] Self-Assessment Checklist

I confirm that evidence of prior research, whitepaper, design, or proof-of-concept is provided.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes ecosystem research and uses the findings to either (a) justify its uniqueness over existing solutions or (b) demonstrate the value of its novel approach.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal demonstrates technical capability via verifiable in-house talent or a confirmed development partner (GitHub, LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.)

Yes

I confirm that the proposer and all team members are in good standing with prior Catalyst projects.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal clearly defines the problem and the value of the on-chain utility.

Yes

I confirm that the primary goal of the proposal is a working prototype deployed on at least a Cardano testnet.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal outlines a credible and clear technical plan and architecture.

Yes

I confirm that the budget and timeline (≤ 12 months) are realistic for the proposed work.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes a community engagement and feedback plan to amplify prototype adoption with the Cardano ecosystem.

Yes

I confirm that the budget is for future development only; excludes retroactive funding, incentives, giveaways, re-granting, or sub-treasuries.

Yes

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

I Agree

Yes