Fintech–Traditional Finance Partnerships: Rewriting the Rules

Photo by Sean Pollock on Unsplash

The relationship between fintechs and traditional banks is often framed as adversarial. But the reality today is far more collaborative and nuanced. Rather than competing head-on, fintechs and banks are increasingly coming together and joining forces. Partnerships between fintechs and traditional financial institutions are reshaping global finance. Few companies illustrate this better than Ripple. Ripple’s alliances with banks like Santander, American Express, and SBI Remit show how integrating blockchain-based fintech solutions can enhance cross-border payments, liquidity management, and the institutional adoption of digital assets.  

Ripple’s partnerships in North and South America, Asia and Europe highlight how collaborations between fintech and traditional finance can accelerate digital transformation, support financial inclusion and create new assets. Banks bring trust, compliance, and customer reach. Fintechs bring speed, innovation, and fresh ideas. Together, they set the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and globally connected financial system.

Ripple's Approach

Ripple uses a three-pronged approach for its strategic partnerships:

1.Cross-Border Payments 

Ripple’s RippleNet platform facilitates fast and affordable international transactions, addressing inefficiencies in the SWIFT system. Partnerships with Santander and American Express allow customers to send money across borders instantly, reducing settlement times from days to seconds.

2.SBI Remit and Asian Market Integration 

Ripple’s collaboration with SBI Remit integrates blockchain into remittance services, processing billions in cross-border flows. This partnership demonstrates how fintech can strengthen regional financial ecosystems while meeting compliance standards.

3.Stablecoins and Tokenised Assets 

Ripple’s introduction of RLUSD stablecoin and tokenised asset solutions (such as real-world assets like OUSG) shows fintech’s role in expanding institutional blockchain adoption. These innovations are projected to manage trillions in value by 2030, a sign of fintech’s growing influence in mainstream finance.

Ripple’s partnerships illustrate how fintech–traditional finance collaborations can accelerate digital transformation, expand financial inclusion, and unlock new asset classes. By combining fintech's agility and innovation with institutional trust, these alliances are setting the stage for a more efficient, transparent, and globally connected financial system. Ripple’s strategy is just the beginning of a broader trend where collaboration, not competition, drives transformation.