Ripple Doubles Down on UAE Expansion—Inks Surprise Partnerships with Zand & Mamo

Ripple’s Middle East ambitions just got a turbocharge. The blockchain giant locked two unexpected deals with UAE-based Zand Bank and Mamo Pay, signaling a deeper play for regional dominance.

Why it matters: The UAE’s crypto-friendly regulators are rolling out the red carpet—while traditional finance scrambles to keep up. Ripple’s latest move cuts through bureaucratic tape and positions XRP as the bridge asset for cross-border payments in the region.

The cynical take: Another ’strategic partnership’ that’ll have traders overleveraging on hype—until the next quarterly report drops. But this time, the infrastructure actually exists.

TLDR

• Ripple has expanded its presence in the UAE after receiving a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
• The company has partnered with Zand Bank to upgrade its payment systems using Ripple’s blockchain technology.
• Zand Bank plans to launch a stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham as part of its digital finance strategy.
• Ripple has also joined hands with UAE fintech Mamo to improve the speed and reliability of cross-border payments.
• Ripple Payments now supports over 90 payout markets and has processed over 70 billion dollars globally.

Ripple has increased its operations in the UAE following its recent license approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The company announced new partnerships with digital lender Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo. These agreements aim to strengthen Ripple’s role in the region’s cross-border payments sector through its Ripple Payments platform.

Ripple Secures New Ground With Zand Bank Partnership

Ripple has partnered with Zand Bank to modernize its cross-border payment system using blockchain-based infrastructure. Zand Bank will integrate Ripple Payments to speed up and reduce the cost of international money transfers. Moreover, the bank plans to issue a stablecoin backed by the UAE dirham to deepen its blockchain usage.

This collaboration supports Ripple’s strategy to expand in digital finance markets with strong regulatory frameworks like the UAE. Ripple Payments, which supports over 90 global payout markets, fits Zand Bank’s goal of delivering efficient financial services. The MOVE shows Ripple’s intent to grow beyond traditional banking partnerships through technology-first institutions.

Ripple will also support Zand Bank’s stablecoin project by offering technical and liquidity-related assistance through its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) service. This service uses XRP to bridge currencies, providing fast exchange capabilities between fiat currencies. The introduction of the AED stablecoin may also encourage further digital innovation in the Gulf region.

Ripple Taps Mamo to Enhance Fintech Reach

Ripple has partnered with UAE-based fintech Mamo to upgrade its international transfer solutions. Mamo will use Ripple’s system to accelerate transaction speeds and improve border payment reliability. Through blockchain efficiency, the company intends to scale its services faster while maintaining secure operations.

This partnership extends Ripple’s influence in the fintech sector, offering its blockchain services to startups, not just financial institutions. Mamo benefits from Ripple’s global infrastructure, making it easier to expand to new markets with minimal friction. The collaboration highlights Ripple’s commitment to supporting agile digital platforms in emerging regions.

Ripple continues to promote Ripple Payments as a leading solution for cross-border transactions by building strategic alliances in key markets. With the inclusion of Mamo, Ripple diversifies its user base while addressing regional payment gaps. The deal strengthens Ripple’s position as a dependable blockchain provider for fast-growing fintechs.

XRP Activity Grows Amid Legal, Market and CME Updates

Ripple’s momentum comes despite XRP’s recent 3.5% price drop, which aligns with a broader downturn across the crypto market. However, the company remains focused on long-term growth through infrastructure and regulatory advancements. Ripple continues to process significant volumes globally, surpassing $70 billion through its payment network.

Recent legal developments in the Ripple vs. SEC case attracted attention after a motion for an indicative ruling was denied. While the court’s decision did not favor Ripple, legal analysts expect a revised motion soon. Ripple aims to resolve its legal situation to clear the path for broader adoption.

Additionally, CME Group has launched XRP futures contracts, expanding XRP’s market exposure and adding a regulated investment avenue for traders. This move marks another step toward mainstream integration of Ripple-related assets. Ripple maintains its focus on providing liquidity, efficiency, and speed for cross-border transactions in evolving digital economies.