South African bank Absa has launched a digital asset custody service powered by Ripple technology for institutional clients, adding a bank-based custody option for African institutions seeking controlled management of digital assets.
The service was rolled out on September 21, according to Ripple senior executive Reece Merrick, who said the platform provides institutional-grade infrastructure for digital asset management.
The custody system combines Ripple’s technology with Absa’s governance framework, giving institutions controls over assets, transactions and approvals without requiring them to rely on retail cryptocurrency exchanges or informal storage arrangements.
The launch follows a partnership signed in October 2025 that made Absa Ripple’s first African custody partner and established a framework for African banks to provide blockchain-based services.
Absa’s Digital Asset Custody Focuses on Security and Control
Absa executive Robyn Lawson said the custody model is built around security, governance, recoverability and controlled transaction authorization.
The platform uses secure hardware environments to protect private keys and reduce the risk that a failure affecting a single system could compromise institutional assets. It also employs deterministic key derivation rather than relying on permanently stored static keys, with cryptographic recovery procedures designed to support access during disruptions.
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| Source: Xpost |
Core functions include asset protection, key management, transaction controls and approval processes intended to align with established institutional custody practices.
Absa has not disclosed which digital assets are supported, the fees charged for the service, the identities of customers or whether the platform will eventually include cryptocurrency trading.
Ripple also updated its custody software ahead of the launch. Version 1.41, released on September 14, introduced additional safeguards designed to verify destination addresses against selected blockchain formats.
The update is intended to reduce the risk of unsuccessful transfers caused by incorrect addresses across supported networks.
South Africa’s regulatory framework is also relevant to the service. The country classifies crypto assets as financial products and requires regulated providers to obtain authorization from financial authorities.
Ripple Expands Institutional Digital Asset Infrastructure in Africa
The custody launch adds to Ripple’s broader expansion across Africa. The company has also increased access to its RLUSD stablecoin through partnerships with Chipper Cash, VALR and Yellow Card.
Those relationships support use cases including cross-border payments, treasury management, digital asset trading and stablecoin settlement for institutional customers.
The Absa partnership gives Ripple a banking channel for institutional custody while allowing Absa to incorporate digital asset infrastructure into its financial services offering.
Ripple has also expanded its custody capabilities through its acquisitions of Metaco and Palisade, adding wallet infrastructure designed to support multiple blockchain networks.
The development of Absa’s custody platform is expected to progress in stages, with institutional demand, operational requirements and regulatory developments influencing its expansion. Neither Absa nor Ripple has provided a timetable for adding specific assets or extending the service to additional African markets.
Writer: Marcus Renfield Crypto Market Analyst & Onchain Writer
Marcus Renfield covers cryptocurrency markets with a focus on onchain data, Bitcoin price action, and emerging market narratives. His writing examines how capital flows, network activity, and broader market structure influence short- and medium-term trends.
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