Ripple has officially partnered with South Africa’s Absa Bank to unveil the continent’s inaugural institutional digital asset custody services. This landmark collaboration signifies Ripple’s first significant foray into digital asset custody on African soil, as Absa integrates Ripple’s robust infrastructure to offer comprehensive custody solutions for tokenized assets, including cryptocurrencies.
This initiative arrives at a time when financial institutions across Africa are increasingly gravitating towards blockchain solutions. Both Ripple and Absa aim to address the burgeoning demand for compliant digital asset services in emerging markets, where regulatory clarity is becoming essential. As more institutions pursue secure and scalable storage options, this partnership positions them to meet rising expectations.
Ripple has expanded its custody network into Africa by welcoming Absa Bank, joining its diverse portfolio of global custody partners. This collaboration enables Absa to utilize Ripple’s institutional-grade custody platform, which adheres to the highest operational and security standards. It reinforces Ripple’s stature as a leading provider of compliant digital asset infrastructure.
With this partnership, Absa will offer its clientele regulated access to secure storage solutions for tokenized assets through Ripple’s custody technology. This service will encompass cryptocurrencies and a variety of digital financial instruments, all underpinned by stringent compliance measures. The offering is tailored for institutions eager to enter the digital asset arena with confidence.
Ripple has already formed custody partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The inclusion of Absa Bank means Africa now joins a global network of financial entities leveraging Ripple’s blockchain technology. This collaboration underscores Ripple’s strategy to create a comprehensive ecosystem for tokenized finance on a worldwide scale.
In seizing this opportunity, Absa Bank positions itself strategically within the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, as it introduces regulated digital asset custody in a market poised for significant growth. The bank is committed to catering to the evolving demands of institutional clients interested in digital asset services, aligning with its long-term vision of being at the forefront of financial innovation.
Moreover, Absa plans to roll out services adhering to rigorous operational, security, and compliance standards, utilizing Ripple’s proven infrastructure. This partnership is a testament to Absa’s broader commitment to delivering modern financial solutions that accommodate emerging asset classes. As digital finance continues to flourish, institutions like Absa are looking to diversify their offerings and enhance service efficiency.
Absa’s initiative coincides with a more favorable regulatory environment in Africa, which is increasingly welcoming to blockchain-based finance. Financial institutions are preparing to serve markets that demand secure, scalable, and trustworthy digital services. This custody solution will empower Absa to lead in supporting digital assets while ensuring compliance.
Ripple is also bolstering its presence in Africa through the introduction of its USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, alongside payments collaborations. The company has extended RLUSD to platforms like Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card, thereby enhancing access to stable digital currencies. This initiative comes in response to the growing need for reliable cross-border payment solutions across the continent.
RLUSD, issued by a New York-regulated trust company, has gained significant traction in global markets, establishing itself as a dependable dollar-linked asset for institutions operating in volatile currency environments. The stablecoin has seen its supply surpass $700 million on both Ethereum and XRP Ledger.
Furthermore, Ripple continues to support Africa-based firms with crypto-enabled payment solutions, further entrenching its technology within the region’s financial infrastructure. According to Ripple’s 2025 New Value Report, 64% of finance leaders in Africa prioritize expedited settlement in cross-border transactions. Ripple’s infrastructure is designed to facilitate such advancements while maintaining high regulatory and operational standards.
