SBI Remit and Tottori Bank are launching international money transfer services on April 20, extending what XRP-focused observers describe as Ripple’s bank-linked remittance footprint in Japan. The partnership marks the 26th collaboration between SBI Remit and a financial institution, with Ripple’s distributed ledger technology again referenced as part of the service stack.
Ripple Remittance Network In Japan Expands To 26 BanksIn practical terms, the new partnership is aimed at a growing foreign workforce in Tottori Prefecture and the financial institutions serving it. SBI Remit said both the number of foreign workers and the number of businesses employing them have risen to record highs in the prefecture, making access to reliable cross-border payments more important for workers sending money home and for local employers trying to support them.
The company described a market that increasingly demands speed, convenience and always-on access. “Foreign customers now require services that are fast, low-cost, available 24/7, and can be initiated via apps, as well as services that support diversified receiving methods, such as the expansion of e-wallets in the recipient country,” SBI Remit said.
“Meanwhile, with the increase in foreign workers, regional financial institutions are facing increased requests from companies to open salary deposit accounts. Furthermore, after providing accounts, they are required to handle new customer management tasks, including residence permit expiration dates and return information.”
At press time, XRP traded at $1.42.
