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Fintech firm Ripple has announced the launch of a new headquarters for its Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations in Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a major step in its regional strategy. The move is aimed at meeting growing demand for payments and digital asset services across the region, and it is expected to enable Ripple to potentially double its UAE team size.
Ripple said the expanded facility will support rising interest in compliant blockchain technologies for cross-border transactions and asset custody. The announcement builds on the company’s initial establishment of a regional base in Dubai in 2020, after which the Middle East grew into a key contributor to Ripple’s worldwide client portfolio.
Ripple’s platforms are already used by several financial institutions, including Zand Bank, Ctrl Alt, Garanti BBVA, Absa Bank, and Chipper Cash. The partnerships cover payments, custody, and crypto-enabled transfers, spanning both traditional banking and emerging digital finance use cases.
Ripple’s expansion has been supported by regulatory progress in the DIFC. In March 2025, Ripple received full licensing from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), described as the first blockchain payments provider in the jurisdiction. The licensing is intended to support regulated international digital transfers directly from the DIFC.
More recently, the DFSA recognized RLUSD—Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin—as an approved crypto asset, creating additional opportunities for regulated entities in the region.
Reece Merrick, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa at Ripple, said the Middle East has become a major growth engine for the company globally. He described the expanded headquarters as part of a long-term commitment to the region’s progress, citing strong local demand for secure, regulated blockchain infrastructure.
Merrick added that a larger Dubai-based team will help deliver enhanced support to clients and partners across the MEA and beyond.
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority, welcomed the development, describing Ripple’s growth as evidence of the emirate’s appeal as a leading center for blockchain innovation. He praised the company for balancing ambitious development with responsible practices, linking established institutions with next-generation financial tools.
The announcement comes as the UAE continues to position itself as a fintech and digital assets hub. By deepening its local presence, Ripple said it is expanding capacity while reinforcing confidence in the region’s regulatory environment and its potential for broader blockchain adoption.
The move is expected to accelerate the deployment of payment solutions and custody services, supporting businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected global economy. As demand for compliant cross-border financial tools rises, Ripple’s UAE operations are positioned to act as a catalyst for further innovation across the MEA region.
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