Blockchain firm Ripple has extended its institutional services into Africa by forming a strategic alliance with Absa Bank, a leading financial institution in South Africa.
The collaboration positions Absa as Ripple’s first significant custody client in Africa. This signals a pivotal moment for institutional adoption of digital and tokenized assets in emerging markets.
Absa to Offer Regulated Custody for Digital Assets
Through this partnership, Absa will adopt Ripple’s digital custody solutions to safely manage and safeguard cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets on behalf of its clients. This gives Absa the foundation to offer secure, compliant, and scalable custody services.
For Absa, the partnership represents a strategic step into blockchain-backed financial services. It offers corporate and institutional clients a trusted way to engage with tokenized markets without compromising regulatory compliance or security.
Ripple’s Global Custody Expansion Strategy
Ripple’s institutional custody product, launched in late 2024, is part of its mission to serve as a back-end infrastructure provider for regulated financial institutions. The platform is already operational in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It supports banks and asset managers in efficiently managing their digital assets.
By extending the service to Africa, Ripple strengthens its global reach while reinforcing its reputation for regulatory readiness. The company now holds more than 60 licenses and registrations worldwide.
This compliance-first approach remains central to its expansion strategy in regions where digital asset regulation continues to evolve.
Growing Momentum for Blockchain Adoption in Africa
Ripple’s partnership with Absa builds on the company’s recent efforts to expand across the African continent. Earlier this year, Ripple teamed up with Chipper Cash to offer crypto-enabled payment solutions. It also announced intentions to roll out the RLUSD stablecoin across African countries.
Interest in blockchain adoption is also growing across the region. According to a 2025 Ripple study, about 64% of finance professionals in the MENA region prioritize quicker settlements and cost reductions when considering blockchain adoption.
With the Absa partnership, South Africa becomes one of the few African countries where a major bank provides regulated crypto custody services. This milestone could inspire other financial institutions in the region to follow suit. It also strengthens South Africa’s position in leading fintech innovation on the continent.
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