Ripple Partners with Jeel Riyad Bank: A Strategic Blockchain Move

Ripple once again shows its commitmentin expanding the adoption of blockchain technology globally. This time, the US-based blockchain company officially partnered with Jeel, the innovation unit of Riyad Bank in Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration focuses on exploring the use of blockchain in modern financial services that are more efficient, transparent, and regulated.

The partnership was announced in late January 2026 and immediately attracted the attention of the global fintech industry, particularly as it involved one of Saudi Arabia's largest banks through its innovation unit.

Key Points

• Blockchain-based cross-border payments testing with a focus on speed and cost efficiency
• Exploring digital asset custody and tokenization within the Saudi regulatory framework
• Support for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in digital transformation of the financial sector

Background of the Ripple and Jeel Collaboration

Jeel is Riyad Bank's official innovation unit, established to bridge new technologies with traditional financial systems.

Jeel's primary focus is testing future financial solutions through a regulatory sandbox approach, ensuring innovation remains in line with legal compliance.

Meanwhile, Ripple is known as a blockchain infrastructure providerenterprise-grade that has been used by various financial institutions around the world.

Ripple's technology is designed to facilitate fast, secure, and low-cost cross-border transactions, making it a relevant strategic partner for the banking sector.

Through this collaboration, Ripple and Jeel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a proof-of-concept (PoC) within the Jeel sandbox.

The Sandbox officially launched in September 2025 and aims to test new financial technologies in a controlled and regulated environment.

Read Also:Ripple Plans to Launch XRP Depository Receipts, What Are They?

Partnership Details and Testing Focus

Ripple and Jeel's collaboration isn't purely theoretical, but rather focused on real-world testing. There are three main focuses in developing this proof-of-concept.

3 Main Focuses of Collaboration

The first is blockchain-based cross-border payments. In the context of globalization and high international mobility of funds, traditional remittance systems are often slow and expensive. Ripple's blockchain technology is expected to increase transaction speeds while reducing operational costs.

Second, digital asset storage or custody. As institutional interest in digital assets increases, the need for a secure, standardized, and regulatory-compliant storage system becomes crucial. Through the Jeel sandbox, this custody framework will be tested to ensure it complies with Saudi Arabian banking operational standards.

Third is asset tokenization. Tokenization allows traditional assets to be represented digitally on the blockchain, opening up opportunities for greater efficiency, liquidity, and transparency. Ripple and Jeel will evaluate how tokenization can be implemented legally and operationally in the Saudi environment.

Read Also:SEC vs. Ripple Case Concludes, XRP Price Rises 10%!

Strategic Implications for Saudi Arabia and Ripple

This collaboration holds strategic significance for both parties. For Saudi Arabia, it aligns with Vision 2030, a national agenda to diversify the economy and strengthen non-oil and gas sectors, including digital finance and fintech.

George Harrak, CEO of Jeel, emphasized that this partnership aims to strengthen the exploration of next-generation financial infrastructure responsibly.

This means that innovation is not carried out in a rush, but rather through an approach that prioritizes stability and compliance.

On the other hand, Reece Merrick from Ripple highlighted Saudi Arabia's role as a global hub for digital transformation.

For Ripple, this partnership opens access to the regulated Saudi fintech ecosystem and provides an opportunity to demonstrate blockchain technology on an institutional scale.

However, to date there has been no further update regarding the commercial implementation stage of the test results.

Read Also:Ripple XRP Price Prediction 2025–2030

Register at Bittime

For those of you interested in following developments in crypto assets, blockchain, and global financial innovations like this Ripple and Jeel collaboration, it's important to use a legal and trusted platform.

One of the first steps you can take isregister on the Bittime platform, so they can access information, education, and the crypto asset ecosystem safely and in accordance with regulations in Indonesia.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Ripple and Jeel Riyad Bank confirms that blockchain is no longer just talk, but a real solution that is starting to be seriously tested by major financial institutions.

With the support of Saudi Arabia's regulatory sandbox and digital transformation vision, this collaboration has the potential to become a model for responsible and sustainable blockchain adoption.

While still in the proof-of-concept stage, this partnership already sends a strong signal that the future of global financial services will be increasingly integrated with blockchain technology, particularly in cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and tokenization.

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the Ripple and Jeel collaboration?

To test the use of blockchain in cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and tokenization in compliance with Saudi regulations.

What is Jeel Riyad Bank?

Jeel is Riyad Bank's innovation unit focused on developing and testing future financial technologies.

When will Jeel sandbox launch?

Sandbox Jeel officially launched in September 2025.

Has this collaboration entered the commercial implementation stage?

Not yet, it is currently in the proof-of-concept testing phase with no announcement of further implementation.

Why is this collaboration important for the blockchain industry?

Because it demonstrates the adoption of blockchain by large banks in a strict and structured regulatory environment.