Brad Chillum
San Francisco-based blockchain startup Ripple has opened new office in Singapore, one of the world’s leading trade and financial hubs. Ripple’s latest footprint in Asia comes within weeks after the launch of its office in India, the world’s largest remittance receiver.
As a venture-backed FinTech startup, Ripple has long stuck to its goal of connecting global banks on a blockchain to enable near-instant and inexpensive remittance. Picking Singapore for a base is a noteworthy move for Ripple as it moves into a country that is commonly seen as the gateway into Asia for both trade and travelers. Singapore sees some $550 billion in trade flowing through the country annually, a number that is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Dilip Rao, Ripple managing director, stated: “Singapore is leading the charge when it comes to streamlining money exchange, remittance and payments systems…Our new office can support this ambition and equally brings us closer to our customer base across the Asia-Pacific region, enabling banks, payment providers and corporates to make instant payments into-and-out of the country using blockchain”. He also added that “As a leading trade and fintech hub, Singapore offers Ripple leverage in the region as we expand our global footprint”.
