Stablecoin issuer Tether has invested in SQRIL, a payments technology startup that connects banks, ewallets and fintech applications to real-time QR code payment networks. The size of the investment was not revealed. SQRIL plans to use the fresh capital to expedite the development of infrastructure that supports payments powered by stablecoins. The company offers an API-based switch that links into banking networks and digital finance platforms. SQRIL’s technology connects with banks such as Barclays ...

Ripple’s payment network just reported processing around $1.3 trillion in transactions in Q2 2025 through its XRP-powered On‑Demand Liquidity (ODL) product. But XRP barely broke out on the news, as traders weighed adoption headlines against a still-choppy altcoin market. For us asking whether crypto does anything beyond speculation, this story offers a rare hard data point you can actually use. Follow us below. What Did Ripple XRP Actually Process: Why Should We Care? Ripple runs a global payment netwo ...

Core Viewpoint - The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a rally, with a focus on XRP as a key player due to its technology and business model that facilitate efficient cross-border transactions [1][2][3]. Group 1: XRP Overview - XRP is among the top-10 cryptocurrencies, valued for its ability to enable low-cost, near-instantaneous cross-border transactions [2][3]. - The token is currently trading near $2 and has previously reached $3 twice in 2025, indicating potential for future growth [6]. Group 2: Market Context - The broader cryptocurrency market has faced challenges, with many top tokens down 50% or more year-to-date, while XRP remains flat [6][7]. - Factors contributing to the current market environment include expectations of interest rate stability and concerns about market bubbles [8]. Group 3: Future Outlook - For XRP to reach the $3 level by 2026, several bullish factors must align, including a favorable macroeconomic environment, positive regulatory developments, and increased adoption [9]. - The potential for XRP's growth is contingent on the expansion of cross-border payment systems and banking partnerships [6][9].

Group 1 - Klarna has launched its first stablecoin, KlarnaUSD, becoming the first regulated payments provider to do so on the Tempo blockchain, which could help reduce the $120 billion annual cross-border payment fees globally [1][3] - KlarnaUSD is a US-dollar-backed stablecoin issued through Open Issuance by Bridge, a Stripe company responsible for compliance, reserve management, and redemption [2] - The launch follows McKinsey data indicating stablecoin transactions have reached $27 trillion annually, with Klarna planning to integrate KlarnaUSD across its network that processes $112 billion in GMV for 114 million users [3] Group 2 - KlarnaUSD is designed for payments rather than trading, currently operating on Tempo's testnet with a mainnet launch planned for 2026, offering fast settlement, high throughput, and low fees [4] - The stablecoin will initially be used within Klarna's payment stack for merchant payouts, cross-border settlements, refunds, and internal funding flows, replacing slow correspondent-banking systems [5] - By issuing KlarnaUSD through Bridge, Klarna benefits from a fully backed, redeemable stablecoin without the need to manage reserves or regulatory reporting, facilitating instant settlement across markets and reducing friction in 26 supported countries [6]

Group 1 - Ripple recently raised $500 million at a $40 billion valuation, indicating strong institutional support and a shift towards being viewed as a long-term financial infrastructure company rather than just a crypto startup [1][4][6] - Despite the funding round, XRP's price has remained stagnant, dropping from $3.66 in July to the low $2.20s by November, highlighting a disconnect between Ripple's positive developments and the token's market performance [2][5][10] - The market is currently focused on liquidity and actual settlement growth rather than corporate milestones, which has contributed to the muted price action of XRP [11][16][18] Group 2 - Ripple's expansion into broader financial services, including custody divisions and treasury software, is supported by the new capital, but these developments do not immediately translate into increased demand for XRP [7][9][13] - The funding will help scale Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) payment corridors across various regions, but the token's price impact is limited as XRP is often only used briefly during settlements [8][12][14] - The long-term outlook for XRP's price is tied to the growth of settlement volumes and institutional demand, which are expected to take time to materialize [10][15][21] Group 3 - Franklin Templeton's launch of an XRP ETF introduces a new layer of credibility and potential slow inflows from conservative investors, but immediate price changes are unlikely [17][18] - The market's cautious sentiment, driven by whale distribution and weak trading volumes, continues to weigh on XRP's price despite the positive institutional backing [11][18][27] - Future price predictions for XRP vary, with potential bullish scenarios dependent on sustained institutional interest and rising settlement volumes, while bearish scenarios could see the token struggle under macroeconomic pressures [22][26]

Group 1 - XRP has shown significant price volatility, with a 580% increase from November 2024 to January 2025, and a near doubling in value from $2 to $3.65 this summer [1][2] - Currently, XRP is trading below $3 and has experienced a decline over the past 30 days, raising questions about its future performance in 2025 [2] - The primary issue with XRP is its inability to meet high expectations, despite frequent announcements of potential catalysts for price increases [3] Group 2 - There is ongoing speculation that the XRP Ledger could replace or integrate with the outdated SWIFT payment network, which processes nearly $150 trillion in transactions annually [4][5] - If the XRP Ledger captures even a small portion of the cross-border payment market, it could significantly increase XRP's value, with projections suggesting a potential 14% market capture, equating to about $21 trillion in transaction volume [5] - However, stablecoins are considered more efficient than XRP for cross-border transactions, as they are pegged to the U.S. dollar and mitigate exchange risk, which XRP does not [6] Group 3 - Despite past surges in value, XRP has never traded above $3.84 in over a decade, indicating a disparity between theoretical upside potential and actual market performance [7]

Core Insights - StoneX Group Inc. has expanded its strategic partnership with Hana Bank by establishing a correspondent banking relationship through its subsidiary, StoneX Financial Ltd, in London [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership allows Hana Bank to utilize StoneX Payments' cross-border FX payment platform, enhancing access to local currency payments in regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia [2] - This collaboration aims to improve services for Hana Bank's international corporate clients, facilitating better transaction capabilities [2][3] Group 2: Operational Enhancements - Integrating Hana Bank into StoneX Financial's global network will enhance the settlement of Korean won (KRW) transactions, addressing the increasing demand for KRW flows into Korea [3] - The partnership is expected to unlock new business opportunities for companies related to Korea by leveraging both organizations' capabilities [5] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The partnership aligns with the Korean government's initiative to open up the FX market, which includes extended operation hours for KRW transactions [4] - StoneX Payments is focused on expanding its presence in Asia, and this partnership with Hana Bank is a key step in providing broader access to emerging-market currencies [4]

Core Insights - In the first half of 2025, Malaysia's cross-border QR code payment transaction volume exceeded 11.8 million, with a total value of 967 million MYR, showing significant growth compared to 11.7 million transactions and 860 million MYR in the previous year [1] - The growth is driven by the dual payment demand from foreign tourists and Malaysians traveling abroad, establishing itself as an important bridge for cross-border economic interaction [1] - Bank Negara Malaysia is actively promoting the Nexus project and collaborating with three ASEAN countries and the Reserve Bank of India to create a multilateral cross-border payment network, with the first direct cross-border transaction expected to be completed by 2027 [1]

Core Points - UnionPay International has launched a pilot cross-border QR payment system between China and Indonesia, supervised by the central banks of both countries [1][3] - The pilot allows selected users to complete transactions using UnionPay and Alipay apps at over 40 million QRIS merchants in Indonesia [2][3] - The project is part of a government-to-government initiative, with full operationalization expected by 2025 [3][4] Group 1 - The pilot was initiated with a transaction demonstration in Beijing using an Indonesian mobile payment application [1] - In Jakarta, users successfully completed transactions by scanning Indonesia's standardized QR code (QRIS) [2] - The current phase is limited to pre-approved participants and merchants, with plans for expansion after the trial [3] Group 2 - UnionPay has signed cooperation agreements with Indonesian financial entities and switch networks to facilitate the project [4] - QR payment transactions will be settled in local currencies as per the bilateral agreement [4] - UnionPay is also expanding its QR payment linkage to 19 other countries and regions outside of mainland China [4]

Core Insights - StoneX Group Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Bank Mendes Gans to enhance cross-border payment capabilities in thinly traded currencies [1][2] - The collaboration will leverage StoneX Payments' technology and expertise to improve BMG's payment infrastructure and liquidity management services [2][4] Company Overview - StoneX Group Inc. operates a global financial services network, providing digital platforms, clearing and execution services, and market risk management solutions [5] - The company serves over 54,000 commercial and institutional clients, with more than 400,000 retail accounts across 40 offices worldwide [5] Partnership Details - The partnership will enable BMG to process international payments in over 140 currencies across 180 countries, utilizing StoneX Payments' API-driven platform [2][3] - StoneX Payments' infrastructure will facilitate faster settlement times, payment data validation, and competitive foreign exchange rates, addressing inefficiencies in traditional banking systems [3][4] Strategic Impact - The collaboration is expected to broaden BMG's liquidity management capabilities and enhance the flexibility and transparency of international transactions [4] - The partnership will also introduce new currency corridors and expand BMG's reach into underserved and emerging markets [3]