- Ripple partners with Jeel to advance Saudi Arabia’s blockchain infrastructure.
- Tokenization and secure digital systems form the core of the new collaboration.
- Global expansion accelerates through new listings, custody deals, and licensing wins.
Ripple Labs Inc. has expanded its reach in the Middle East through a new collaboration with Jeel, a subsidiary of Riyad Bank. Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, confirmed the development on X. He said the partnership aims to support Saudi Arabia’s financial vision through blockchain innovation. The deal marks a notable step for Ripple in the region.
Jeel and Ripple will explore tokenization and other blockchain applications. Their goal is to enhance financial services across Saudi Arabia with secure and transparent digital systems.
Both parties view the cooperation as an opportunity to strengthen critical financial corridors. The partnership reflects the region’s rising demand for advanced digital infrastructure.
More big news from the Middle East! @Ripple is partnering with @Jeelmovement, the innovation arm of @RiyadBank, to advance Saudi Arabia’s financial future through blockchain innovation 🇸🇦
— Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) January 26, 2026
The Kingdom’s visionary leadership has established Saudi Arabia as a forward-thinking… pic.twitter.com/KhQ7giluhE
Tokenization Drives a Shift in Regional Financial Markets
The focus on tokenization highlights a broader shift in financial markets. It enables the representation of real-world assets on blockchain networks.
It also supports the secure storage of digital assets through institutional custody tools. These features are becoming important in remittance and trade channels across the Gulf.
Also Read: Binance Listing Marks a New Era for RLUSD’s Global Expansion
Ripple’s new deal is timely given the current environment, which is characterized by increased institutional interest in blockchain tools. Industry developments are also growing, especially considering the major firms that are embracing digital asset infrastructure.
The Jeel deal is the latest boost to the growing industry. It also comes at a time when Ripple is solidifying its position in the global financial environment.
Ripple Strengthens Ecosystem with New Developments
Ripple is also making significant progress on other fronts. Its stablecoin, RLUSD, which is pegged to the US Dollar, was recently listed on Binance.
Ripple USD 🤝 Binance$RLUSD is officially listed on @binance 🚀supported on Ethereum, with XRPL coming soonhttps://t.co/z8bGUGZpZZ
— Ripple (@Ripple) January 21, 2026
This listing may be a major boost to the Ripple ecosystem, considering the liquidity it may generate. Currently, the stablecoin is built on the Ethereum network, with XRP Ledger support also expected.
Ripple also renewed its deal with Garanti BBVA, a Turkish financial institution. The institution will be using Ripple’s custody infrastructure to safely hold top crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Ripple recently gained preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution license in Luxembourg. This approval adds regulatory momentum to the firm’s expansion plans. It also supports Ripple’s broader objective of growing its global financial infrastructure.
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