Can SWIFT’s blockchain match Ripple’s technological edge? Explore the key challenges it faces and its potential impact on global payments. SWIFT powers most of the world’s bank transfers through its messaging network, while Ripple uses XRP to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper. Beyond payments, XRP is also used for remittances and is being explored for tokenized loyalty and DeFi applications, with institutions like SBI Holdings testing integrations. SWIFT is developing a blockchain-based ledger for real-time payments, interoperable with major networks and supporting tokenized assets. Read more
As part of its cooperation with Bahrain Fintech Bay, Ripple aims to bring its custody solution and RLUSD stablecoin to Bahrain’s financial institutions. Ripple, a major blockchain company and issuer of the XRP cryptocurrency, is expanding operations in the Kingdom of Bahrain through a partnership with a local fintech ecosystem builder. Ripple on Thursday announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), a major local fintech incubator closely collaborating with government partners, including the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). As part of collaboration, Ripple and BFB will work together to contribute to Bahrain’s digital asset ecosystem, including running fintech pilot projects and testing solutions in areas including cross-border payments, stablecoins, tokenization and more. Read more
Major RWA tokenization platform Securitize has partnered with Ripple to enable RLUSD stablecoin off-ramps for tokenized funds by BlackRock and VanEck. Ripple and the tokenization platform Securitize have integrated the Ripple USD stablecoin as an off-ramp for tokenized funds by major crypto investment firms BlackRock and VanEck. Ripple and Securitize launched a smart contract allowing holders of BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) and VanEck’s Treasury Fund (VBILL) to exchange their tokenized shares for the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin. The smart contract allows BUIDL and VBILL investors to instantly exchange their shares for RLUSD at any time, enabling additional onchain transfers. Read more
Ripple will provide crypto custody services to Spain’s BBVA bank, expanding its existing partnership amid MiCA-driven adoption by European banks. Ripple, the US blockchain firm behind the XRP cryptocurrency, will provide crypto custody services to Spanish bank Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA). According to a Tuesday announcement, Ripple’s agreement to provide crypto custody services to BBVA follows the bank’s recent announcement of its Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) retail trading and custody service. BBVA will rely on Ripple’s institutional custody service to power services to its customers. BBVA’s head of digital assets, Francisco Maroto, said that Ripple’s custody service allows it to meet the necessary standards to “directly provide an end-to-end custody service.” Read more
Ripple is done fighting the SEC, meaning it can focus on its original goal: challenging SWIFT, the world’s money transfer system. Ripple has finally finished its legal battle against the US Securities and Exchange Commission, bringing legal clarity to its underlying coin, XRP (XRP). Now observers are asking whether XRP can finally focus on providing a viable alternative to SWIFT. The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) has been the backbone of international money transfers since its founding in 1973. However, for several years, critics have said that the system is outdated. Many in the blockchain industry, including Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, argue that blockchain technology provides higher throughput and better transparency, making it a superior alternative to SWIFT. Read more
BTS Jungkook’s identity thief’s crypto scam ring. Ripple and Circle back Singapore stablecoin infrastructure firm. Asia Express A hacking syndicate accused of stealing 39 billion won ($28 million) by targeting wealthy corporate executives and celebrities including BTS member Jeon Jung-kook has been arrested by South Korean police. A Seoul police unit said Thursday it had apprehended 18 suspects who allegedly hacked government agencies, public institutions and IT platforms to obtain personal and financial data from 258 victims, according to local media reports. The stolen information was then used to break into bank, securities and cryptocurrency exchange accounts. Police said the group successfully stole 39 billion won from 16 victims and attempted to defraud another 25 billion won from 10 others, bringing total damages to 64 billion won. Among the victims were three celebrities and two corporate leaders from South Koreas top 100 companies. The largest confirmed theft amounted to 21.3 billion won in crypto. R...
BTS Jungkook’s identity thief’s crypto scam ring. Ripple and Circle back Singapore stablecoin infrastructure firm. Asia Express A hacking syndicate accused of stealing 39 billion won ($28 million) by targeting wealthy corporate executives and celebrities including BTS member Jeon Jung-kook has been arrested by South Korean police. A Seoul police unit said Thursday it had apprehended 18 suspects who allegedly hacked government agencies, public institutions and IT platforms to obtain personal and financial data from 258 victims, according to local media reports. The stolen information was then used to break into bank, securities and cryptocurrency exchange accounts. Police said the group successfully stole 39 billion won from 16 victims and attempted to defraud another 25 billion won from 10 others, bringing total damages to 64 billion won. Among the victims were three celebrities and two corporate leaders from South Koreas top 100 companies. The largest confirmed theft amounted to 21.3 billion won in crypto. R...
SBI partners with Circle, Ripple and Startale to launch stablecoin ventures and a tokenized asset trading platform in Japan. Japanese financial conglomerate SBI inked new blockchain partnerships with USDC issuer Circle, XRP developer Ripple and the Web3 company Startale. SBI Group announced the three separate partnerships on Friday, including stablecoin-related collaborations with US companies Circle and Ripple, and a new tokenization project with Singapore-based Startale. In cooperation with Startale, SBI plans to build an onchain trading platform for tokenized stocks and real-world assets (RWAs) to enable 24/7 trading. Read more