The persistent challenges associated with securing cross-border payments were highlighted by Reece Merrick, Senior Executive Director, Middle East and Africa, Ripple Labs. in response To the frustration of veteran bankers, Merrick noted that traditional banking payment systems remain a “pain.”
GTreasury’s unique advantages over traditional banking
According to him, the slow payment process he witnessed from his banking days before joining Ripple reflects customer dissatisfaction. He blamed the multiple layers of intermediary banks that customers' payment requests have to go through and the delays that come with it.
Merrick hinted that the traditional banking system is slow, opaque and unpredictable, making cross-border payments stressful. He believes that not knowing specifically when the money will arrive at its destination is not a good service for customers.
A senior executive claimed that GTreasury acquired by Ripple $1 billion and is revolutionizing cross-border payments. He explained that Ripple leverages the XRP Ledger to ensure safe, efficient and reliable transactions.
Similar story from my side…
Before joining @Ripple, I spent over 10 years in the FX industry handling payments for large corporate clients.
There's nothing worse than receiving a phone call from a customer asking where their funds are.
All we can confirm is that the payment was made… https://t.co/HHhkapvMku
— Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) December 17, 2025
The goal is to overcome challenges such as liquidity backlogs, slow settlements, and high customer payment costs. Merrick emphasized that with GTreasury, customers are guaranteed 24-hour payment access. Additionally, cross-border payment costs are significantly reduced by 60% to 90%.
Another big change that GTreasury offers is the flexibility and speed it offers to its clients. Unlike traditional banking systems that require 2-3 days, GTreasury provides blockchain-based payments in seconds.
Ripple's acquisition of GTreasury is part of its expansion efforts aimed at strengthening its cross-order payment system.
Merrick recently hinted at that possibility. Expansion into South AfricaGiven the improved regulatory environment. In particular, South Africa remains an important market for Ripple as it seeks to establish a presence for its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin.
Strategic acquisition of cross-border payments by Ripple
Interestingly, given the dominance of giants like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) in the stablecoin market, Merrick said: RLUSD We aim to move beyond “Ripple-only” assets.
It aims to become a blockchain regulated banking tool. Ripple is focused on delivering products to existing users rather than waiting for them to migrate.
With the launch of these plans, Ripple aims to become a global force in cross-border payments through faster and more reliable solutions.
