Expert Says Ripple Latest European Partnership Is Not a ‘Big Deal’

A notable XRP community figure believes that Ripple’s latest partnership with Unicâmbio to modernize Portugal’s payment corridor with Brazil may not be a significant development.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Ripple highlighted its alliance with Unicâmbio, its first Portuguese partner for cross-border payments.

The partnership is part of Ripple’s expansion efforts in Europe amid the region’s implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Notably, the regulatory clarity MiCA provides is driving European businesses to adopt digital asset-related services. 

Ripple is accelerating crypto adoption in Europe. https://t.co/pPtSdSi2NU

The recent launch of Ripple Payments in Portugal with Unicâmbio modernizes cross-border payments, offering secure, transparent, and real-time transactions.

As European finance leaders explore crypto…

— Ripple (@Ripple) March 5, 2025

Ripple to Modernize Portugal’s Payment Corridor 

The press release highlights Portugal’s existing payment corridor, describing it as slow and expensive due to outdated infrastructure.

However, with Ripple’s latest partnership with Unicâmbio, the duo is introducing crypto-focused cross-border settlements in Portugal. This initiative will modernize the country’s payment corridor, leading to affordable, reliable, and fast transactions with Brazil. 

Under the partnership, Unicâmbio’s corporate customers will leverage Ripple Payment to transfer funds within minutes and at cheaper rates around the clock. 

Adriana Jerónimo, an executive board member at Unicâmbio, praised Ripple’s payment solution, focusing on its ability to facilitate near-instant and affordable settlements compared to traditional payment channels. 

It bears mentioning that Unicâmbio is Ripple’s first payment partner in Portugal. The leading payments company has a strong presence in Brazil through entities like Mercado Bitcoin and Travelex Bank. 

Mercado and Travelex are already part of the Ripple payment network. Under the latest partnership, they will work with Unicâmbio to facilitate payments between Brazil and Portugal. 

“Not a Big Deal”

Commenting on the development, prominent XRP community figure Wrath of Kahneman suggested that the partnership—particularly with Mercado and Travelex—is not a big deal. 

First, he clarified that corporate clients have been using the Ripple Payment solution (formerly ODL). The expert noted that the announcement did not specify which assets would be leveraged for the cross-border settlement—whether XRP, Ripple stablecoin RLUSD, or any other asset. 

In addition, Wrath of Kahneman questioned Travelex and Mercado’s partnership with Unicâmbio, asking whether it implies a partnership structure or a topology. 

“How are they partnering directly other than markets where the relevant DAs (digital assets) are exchanged?” the expert quizzed. 

Overall, he believes the partnership is not a big deal, but he finds the phrasing about Mercado and Travelex interesting. 

Ripple Expands Its European Presence 

Meanwhile, Ripple has been expanding its footprint in the European region. The company highlighted its previous partnerships with top European banks, including BBVA Switzerland and DZ Bank.  

The payments company also launched a new corporate office in Geneva, Switzerland. Notably, Ripple’s expansion efforts support the broader adoption of digital assets and blockchain within Europe.