Ripple’s Recent Achievements in the Middle East and Africa
In an impressive display of growth, Ripple’s Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s recent achievements within the region. This week marked a significant development for Ripple as its stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), gained approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi.
The FSRA now classifies RLUSD as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token, allowing it to be utilized as collateral for exchanges, loans, and prime brokerage services in Abu Dhabi’s Global Market (ADGM), which is aimed at fostering international finance.
Looking Ahead: Ripple’s Future Plans
Reflecting on Ripple’s progress this year, Merrick acknowledged that 2025 has been particularly fruitful, foreshadowing even greater advancements in 2026. He hinted at an intense schedule ahead, especially with major events like Blockchain Week in Dubai, followed by further engagements in Abu Dhabi. He shared via Twitter:
“It’s been a great week for the team across the Middle East & Africa, and I anticipate an exciting couple of weeks ahead.”
As the year closes, Ripple is gearing up to make significant contributions to prominent cryptocurrency conferences, including the Binance Blockchain Week happening in Dubai from December 3rd to 4th. CEO Brad Garlinghouse is set to participate in a panel discussion titled “The Path Ahead/Moving Forward” alongside Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng, slated for December 3rd from 1:30 to 2 p.m. (UTC+4). This session will center around navigating future opportunities and challenges in a generally favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrency.
Further, Merrick is expected to address the evolution of payment systems at this same event, focusing on how blockchain technology is enhancing global financial transactions and connectivity.
Upcoming Events and Market Developments
Ripple’s agenda for December also includes participation in the Fintech Abu Dhabi event from December 8th to 11th and showcases in other international crypto events such as the Blockchain for Europe Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on December 2nd and 3rd, along with the Ripple Christmas Breakfast in London on December 11th.
Additionally, the market is buzzing with anticipation regarding new XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) from firms like 21Shares, CoinShares, and WisdomTree, while the CME Group’s new Spot-Quoted XRP futures are set to launch on December 15th, pending regulatory approval.
