XRP cross-border payments are positioned for significant growth as Russia’s Central Bank explores XRP for international settlements and Ripple expands custody services into Africa. According to a 2020 Central Bank of Russia document (direct .pdf download), XRP is the most likely cryptocurrency for cross-border payments in Russia’s tokenization framework. Meanwhile, Ripple announced a partnership with Absa Bank on October 15, 2025, bringing institutional digital asset custody to South Africa and advancing XRP cross-border payments adoption across emerging markets.

Ripple’s Global Growth Accelerates as Russia Eyes XRP Adoption

Ripple press release announcing Africa expansion with Absa Bank
Ripple press release announcing Africa expansion with Absa Bank – Source: Ripple

Russia’s Central Bank Research Points to XRP for Cross-Border Payments

Research from the Central Bank of Russia’s Novosibirsk laboratory tested cross-border settlements using the Ripple platform. The research findings indicated several key technical requirements were resolved for Russia XRP adoption. These are including the use of XRP or equivalents of fiat currencies issued by each participant, and the determination of a mechanism for reconciling balances between the accounts of Ripple participants and the national payment systems.

Developers created the Masterchain platform pilot projects to optimize economic costs and enhance information security. A mechanism for determining cross rates for the internal currency of Ripple – XRP (when deciding to use XRP in interstate settlements) was also established through the research process.

Academic research document on Russian blockchain and payment infrastructure
Academic research document on Russian blockchain and payment infrastructure – Source: atlantis-press.com

Also Read: XRP News: Friday Might Be the Start of a Huge Price Run For Ripple

XRP Price Analysis Shows Critical $2.65 Resistance Level

Right now, XRP price analysis from EGRAG CRYPTO indicates that $2.65 is playing a major role as resistance. The analyst noted:

$2.65 is playing a major role again! If we can flip it into support on the 3-day timeframe with a full body candle, we’ll be in a good position.

EGRAG CRYPTO added:

”From there, the next target will be $2.85, which aligns with the 21 EMA.”

Detailed research paper view showing Russian payment system development
Detailed research paper view showing Russian payment system development – Source: atlantis-press.com

Ripple Custody Services Launch in Africa with Absa Bank Partnership

Ripple and Absa bank partnership
Ripple and Absa bank partnership – Source: Zawya

Ripple’s October 15th 2025 announcement includes the South African institutional digital asset custody announcement and partnership with Absa Bank. Absa is the first large-scale custody partner of Ripple in Africa. The partnership is a major milestone towards Ripple Africa expansion and the adoption of XRP cross-border payments in the region.

According to the official press release from Ripple:

”Through the partnership, Absa will leverage Ripple’s institutional-grade digital asset custody technology to deliver scalable and secure storage for tokenized assets, including cryptocurrencies.”

Also Read: Trump Upends India’s Grand Strategy: Shift Toward Russia-China Bloc

This unlikely alliance can be seen as a response to the increasing needs for an actually safe, and useful digital asset infrastructure.Ripple custody services in Africa will help financial institutions to provide cryptocurrency services and comply with the regulations, and the potential of the adoption of Russia XRP and the expansion of Ripple Africa will prove the increasing role of XRP in international transactions and cross-border payments.

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