Ripple launches initiative in Saudi Arabia and announces partnership

Expanding the scope of operations

Ripple officially launched the Saudi Arabia Initiative , a dedicated program aimed at promoting blockchain adoption and cross-border payment innovation in the Kingdom, according to a report from Arab News and confirmed through Ripple's regional channels on January 26, 2026. As part of the launch event , Ripple announced a high-level strategic partnership with the Saudi National Bank (SNB) – the largest bank in Saudi Arabia by assets – to explore real-time payment use cases by leveraging RippleNet and XRP-backed On-Demand Liquidity (ODL).

This initiative aligns with the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 's financial modernization goals and the Kingdom's ambition to become a leading fintech and blockchain hub in the Middle East , complementing existing efforts in digital identity, tokenized assets, and CBDC exploration (including the ongoing Aber project with the UAE).

Pilot projects in the region

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a structural reform of its financial system as part of its Vision 2030 , with priorities including modernizing payments, developing financial technology (fintech) , and reducing reliance on the cash system. Cross-border payments are a particular focus , given the Kingdom's role as a regional trade hub and one of the world's largest money transfer corridors.

Expanding the RippleNet & ODL pilot project.

The Saudi National Bank (SNB) will participate in a pilot project testing real-time cross-border payments using RippleNet infrastructure , with ODL (XRP acting as the bridge asset) evaluated for specific corridors ( Saudi Arabia and GCC countries, Saudi Arabia Asia region, Saudi Arabia Europe region ).

Supporting the Developer & Startup Ecosystem

Ripple has committed to investing $10 million over three years to fund:

• Grants and programming competitions focused on XRPL and RippleNet.

• Training programs for banks and fintech companies in Saudi Arabia.

• Support for incubating startups built on the XRP Ledger platform (payments, money transfers, crypto assets).

Cooperation on Regulation & Education

Ripple will work closely with the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to provide expert input on blockchain regulation, the legal framework for stablecoins, and guidance on tokenized securities.

Organizational Custody & Encryption

Initial discussions included exploring the XRP Ledger for the custody of tokenized sukuk (Islamic bonds), real estate, and supply chain assets — leveraging Ripple's existing tokenized treasury pilot projects.

Middle East Payment Strategy

Ripple has long positioned itself as a payments-first blockchain company, aiming to address weaknesses in correspondent banking, foreign exchange settlements, and liquidity provision. The Middle East, with its large volume of remittances and multinational trade flows, has become one of Ripple's most strategically important regions.

The addition of Saudi Arabia further strengthens Ripple's position, complementing the company's existing relationships across the Gulf region and affirming Ripple's role as an infrastructure provider rather than a cryptocurrency speculator.

Assessment and Conclusion

Ripple's launch of its initiative in Saudi Arabia, along with a new partnership, marks a significant step in its global expansion strategy. This reflects a shift from exploratory pilot projects to integrated financial infrastructure, aligned with the country's modernization goals.

As the Middle East continues to emerge as a hub for managed blockchain adoption, Ripple's growing presence in Saudi Arabia positions it at the intersection of institutional finance, cross-border payments, and next-generation payment technologies—where long-term value is increasingly being created.

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Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

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