Ripple Pushes Real-Time Payments – Can It Challenge Global Banking Rails?

Ripple partner and payments platform i-payout says real-time payments powered by digital assets are enabling entirely new business models across global markets. The company highlighted how instant settlement can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and eliminate traditional financial bottlenecks. According to CEO Eddie Gonzalez, the shift could reshape how marketplaces, gig platforms, and cross-border businesses operate.

Real-time payments unlock new models

Specifically, the update, shared on March 16, emphasized how faster settlement speeds are allowing companies to rethink how money moves. These capabilities enable use cases such as just-in-time financing and instant payouts that were previously difficult to implement using legacy systems. 

The ability to combine digital assets with real-time payment rails is seen as a key enabler of this shift. As Gonzalez explained:

“We’re wanting our clients to build new business models like micro-settlements, just-in-time shipping, financing, etc. that simply wouldn’t be feasible before, all because the funds can move when and where they need to, instantly.”

Global payments infrastructure expands

Ripple’s network already supports real-time payments across North America, with growing connections to other regions. In the words of i-payouts COO, Natalia Yenatska:

“We are able to provide real-time payments for North America today. We’re able to now offer digital assets and the conversion of those assets in line with real-time payments delivery.”

With the U.S. representing a significant share of global economic activity, expanding access to faster payments could have broad implications for international commerce.

The integration of digital assets also allows for seamless conversion between currencies during transactions.

Faster settlements reduce costs

One of the key advantages highlighted in the presentation is reduced reliance on working capital. As i-payout’s CEO highlighted:

“Real-time payouts reduce the reliance on working capital buffers.”

For marketplaces, this means funds can be distributed immediately after a transaction, improving liquidity for both platforms and sellers. This model can also make platforms more attractive to gig workers and small businesses by offering faster access to earnings.

Why it matters for businesses

According to Gonzalez, reliability and speed in payments could become a competitive differentiator. As he said:

“This reliability will become a competitive advantage and attract gig workers to platforms to pay faster, and gives small businesses confidence in dealing with global partners.”

As digital marketplaces continue to grow, the demand for instant, cross-border payments is expected to increase. Gonzalez added:

“The digital marketplace is going to be the future, and Ripple is the right partner to take us there.”

Elsewhere, Binance has recently opened deposits in Ripple’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin RLUSD, effectively allowing users to move capital into the XRPL ecosystem without relying on traditional bridging mechanisms.

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