Africa Added to Ripple’s Custody Network Amid RLUSD Deployment

Ripple Brings Institutional Crypto Custody to Africa via Absa Bank Partnership

Ripple has announced the expansion of its institutional digital asset custody services into Africa through a partnership with Absa Bank, one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions. This agreement positions Absa as Ripple’s first major custody client on the continent, enabling secure management and storage of cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets for its institutional clientele.

The collaboration aligns with Ripple’s strategy to serve as a blockchain infrastructure provider for regulated institutions, complementing its existing custody operations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

The expansion builds on Ripple’s earlier moves in the region, including a partnership with Chipper Cash to enable crypto-enabled payments and the introduction of its USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD in African markets.

According to Ripple’s 2025 New Value Report, 64% of financial leaders in the Middle East and Africa identify faster settlement times and reduced transaction costs as primary motivations for adopting blockchain-based payment solutions.

With over 60 regulatory licenses and registrations worldwide, Ripple aims to offer compliant, secure digital asset services in emerging markets, making South Africa one of the few African nations with a bank-backed crypto custody solution.