Ripple Adds new Banking customer in MENA region

As part of its digital transformation, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) has partneredwith financial technology firm Ripple to enable instant cross-border payments for its customers in and out of Kuwait. As early adopters of this technology, ABK will be one of the few financial institutions in Kuwait to reduce transaction times from days to a few minutes, for its customers.

ABK will integrate Ripple’s enterprise blockchain technology into its existing services to offer its customers immediate confirmations, on the back of a secure infrastructure. The Bank’s customers will now be able to send vital funds to family, friends and loved ones faster and more efficiently.

Through this partnership, ABK will join Ripple’s network “RippleNet”, a decentralised global network of banks and payment providers. This growing network aims at enabling an “internet of value”, allowing customers from different banks, to make payments globally with speed and assurance of receipt. The partnership will give ABK access to other “RippleNet” members, enabling the Bank to grow its cross-border payments business.

Speaking on the milestone collaboration, Somnath Menon, Group Chief Operating Officer at ABK said, “This partnership with Ripple is aligned with our unwavering philosophy of reimagining a simpler bank. We have significant interests in cross border remittances and plan to harness the power of Blockchain technology for making global payments faster and more convenient for our customers. As smart technologies continue to rapidly transform the financial sector, we remain committed to enhancing our offerings to our customers, and staying ahead of the innovation curve.”

“ABK is one of Kuwait’s leading banks, and we are excited to be partnering with them,” said Navin Gupta, Managing Director, South Asia and MENA at Ripple. “We look forward to supporting ABK’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital banking services, by providing our innovative blockchain solutions for speedy cross-border payments.”