Prominent blockchain firm, Ripple (XRP), has announced the launch the XRP Ledger Japan and Korea Fund on 11 June 2024.
The company’s strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation on the XRP Ledger in Japan and South Korea shows commitment to these markets as significant regional hubs for blockchain development, especially amidst the challenging regulatory landscape in the US.
Emi Yoshikawa, Ripple’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, expressed her enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “The launch of this fund is a testament to Ripple’s strong belief in the potential of Japan and Korea as pivotal regional hubs for blockchain innovation.”
Ripple’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region comes at a crucial time. The company has identified this region as one of its fastest-growing markets, driven by a favorable regulatory environment and a burgeoning interest in blockchain technology.
This strategic move is part of Ripple’s broader commitment to allocate 1 billion XRP for providing financial, technical, and business support to developers, a plan announced in March 2022.
#Ripple just allocated 1 billion #XRP to East Asia, totaling around $490 million, to drive the growth and advancement of the #XRPLedger ecosystem
Just wait until $XRP is valued accurately. It’s clear that Ripple is strategically laying the groundwork for widespread adoption pic.twitter.com/msGK0KWOUs
— Black Swan Capitalist (@VersanAljarrah) June 11, 2024
Addressing US Regulatory Challenges
The crypto industry in the US is currently grappling with a challenging regulatory landscape.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted these challenges in a recent interview with CNBC, noting that the regulatory uncertainty in the US has prompted the company to look towards more welcoming markets.
By expanding its presence in Japan and Korea, Ripple aims to leverage the supportive regulatory frameworks and the growing interest in blockchain technology in these countries.
Ripple’s Expansion Into Japan And Korea Builds On Existing Partnerships
In April, Ripple partnered with HashKey DX, a Tokyo-based company, to introduce XRPL-powered supply chain finance solutions to the Japanese market. This partnership aims to streamline supply chain processes and enhance efficiency using blockchain technology.
Additionally, Ripple launched SBI Ripple Asia in 2016, a joint venture with Japanese financial services company SBI Holdings. This venture aims to promote the adoption of Ripple payment solutions in the region, further solidifying Ripple’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market.
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Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
