Switzerland’s AMINA Bank Makes History: First European Bank to Launch Ripple Payments
Swiss precision meets crypto rails—AMINA Bank just rewired European finance.
Forget waiting days and paying legacy fees. The Swiss crypto-native bank flipped the switch on Ripple's payment infrastructure, letting clients move value across borders in seconds. It's the first licensed bank in Europe to do it—no pilot program, no vague roadmap.
Why This Cuts Through the Noise
Traditional cross-border payments are a mess of correspondent banks, each taking a cut and adding latency. AMINA's move bypasses that old plumbing entirely. They're using Ripple's proven tech to connect directly to global liquidity pools. For clients, it means sending euros that arrive as dollars—or any other supported currency—almost instantly.
The Cynic's Corner: A Welcome Jab at Slow Finance
Let's be real—most banks are still patting themselves on the back for offering PDF statements online. AMINA launching a live Ripple integration is like watching a Formula 1 car lap a fleet of horse-drawn carriages. It highlights just how archaic the 'innovation' in traditional finance has become.
This isn't just a feature launch; it's a statement. Switzerland is cementing its role as the nexus of regulated crypto-finance, and other European banks now have a very public benchmark to chase. The race to modernize money movement just got a serious pace car.
Reducing Friction Between Blockchain and Traditional Rails
AMINA Bank said the integration of Ripple Payments will also help address operational challenges faced by crypto-native companies working with legacy banking systems. Blockchain transactions often MOVE faster than traditional correspondent banking networks, creating gaps in settlement and increasing the administrative burden on firms that operate across both environments.
By using Ripple’s infrastructure, AMINA Bank said it aims to streamline these processes. The bank’s clients will be able to settle transfers quickly at a lower cost. Ripple said the technology provides the reliability required by institutions operating across multiple currencies and digital asset types.
“Native web3 businesses often run into friction when working with legacy banking systems,” said Myles Harrison, Chief Product Officer at AMINA Bank. “Traditional correspondent networks weren’t designed to support cross-border stablecoin transactions. With Ripple’s support, we can reduce that friction and help our clients maintain their competitive edge,” adds Harrison.
Strengthening Capabilities for Crypto and Traditional Clients
Ripple said the partnership will allow AMINA Bank to act as a bridge between blockchain innovators and conventional banking infrastructure.
Cassie Craddock, Managing Director for the UK and Europe at Ripple, said the partnership will expand the bank’s ability to offer seamless cross-border payment solutions.
“We are providing a crucial bridge between fiat and blockchain rails to AMINA Bank’s clients,” she said. “This includes access to payments using RLUSD and other stablecoins, as well as rapid payouts in multiple currencies,” adds Craddock.
Expanding Global Adoption of Ripple Payments
The partnership is another step in Ripple’s expansion of its institutional payments network. Ripple Payments currently processes more than $95 billion in volume and offers coverage across jurisdictions representing more than 90% of global FX markets.
Ripple Payments are available in Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States. As Ripple deepens its footprint in regulated financial markets, the collaboration with AMINA Bank highlights growing interest among banks in integrating digital asset infrastructure.
