Ripple Launches Blockchain Payments in UAE with Zand Bank and Mamo

Ripple has officially entered the UAE market, partnering with Zand Bank and fintech startup Mamo to roll out blockchain-based payment services. This marks Ripple’s first expansion into the country since securing its license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) in March 2025, making it the first blockchain payments provider licensed to operate in Dubai’s financial free zone.

With DFSA approval, Ripple can now offer fully compliant digital asset payment solutions across the region. Its Ripple Payments platform, designed for fast, low-cost cross-border transactions, leverages XRP and Ripple’s new USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, to enhance liquidity and settlement efficiency. RLUSD is issued by Standard Custody & Trust Company, a Ripple subsidiary, and has already reached $312.99 million in circulation.

Zand Bank aims to use Ripple Payments to expand its digital asset services and enhance international transfers. Mamo, a UAE-based fintech platform serving both individuals and businesses, is joining Ripple’s network to increase the speed, transparency, and affordability of global remittances.

Ripple’s entry into the UAE aligns with the region’s position as a global payments hub and its clear regulatory stance on digital assets. The company currently supports over 90 payout markets and processes approximately $70 billion in payment volume, positioning itself as a major player in blockchain-enabled finance.

The integration of XRP and RLUSD into Ripple Payments underscores Ripple’s commitment to compliant, high-liquidity cross-border solutions for institutions and consumers alike. As adoption of digital assets accelerates in the Middle East, Ripple’s strategic move signals its growing dominance in the blockchain payments space.