Ripple Partners with Convera to Enable Stablecoin-Powered Cross-Border Payments

Ripple Labs and Convera, the commercial payments firm formerly known as Western Union Business Solutions, announced on March 31, 2026 a partnership to enhance global payments through stablecoin and blockchain infrastructure, utilizing a “stablecoin sandwich” model where payments begin and end in fiat while leveraging regulated stablecoins for settlement in between.

Convera operates a financial network spanning more than 140 currencies across approximately 200 countries and territories, positioning the collaboration to address inefficiencies in regions where traditional payment rails remain constrained.

Stablecoin Sandwich Model Enables Blockchain Efficiency without Direct Digital Asset Exposure

The partnership employs a settlement approach where regulated stablecoins, including Ripple’s RLUSD, serve as the intermediary settlement layer between fiat currency entry and exit points. Convera orchestrates the end-to-end payment experience, while Ripple provides liquidity services, settlement technology, and digital asset integration for cross-border settlement.

Ripple Senior Vice President of Product Aaron Slettehaugh stated that enterprises are increasingly looking for faster, more flexible ways to move money globally without taking on the complexity of digital assets directly. The stablecoin sandwich model allows businesses to access blockchain-based efficiencies while maintaining compliance and operational control across jurisdictions, with Ripple’s infrastructure supporting liquidity and settlement depending on corridor needs.

Convera CEO Patrick Gauthier, former head of Amazon Pay, stated that with the growing presence and use of digital currencies such as crypto and stablecoins, Convera has maintained a thoughtful approach by listening to customer needs while watching the space mature, describing Ripple as a clear leader and natural fit for the company.

Ripple Expands Global Network as Traditional Payments and Stablecoins Converge

Through acquisitions and partnerships, Ripple has been expanding its global network as stablecoins and traditional payments merge. Last week, the company joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s BLOOM initiative to pilot programmable cross-border trade settlements using the XRP Ledger and RLUSD stablecoin.

Convera originated from Western Union’s Business Solutions unit, which was sold in 2021 to Goldfinch Partners and The Baupost Group for $910 million and fully rebranded in 2023, with no remaining ownership ties to Western Union. Western Union had tested Ripple’s technology in 2018 but did not proceed, while Convera has now moved forward with full integration.

The collaboration combines Convera’s global network, regulatory reach, and currency management expertise with Ripple’s liquidity services and settlement technology. The companies aim to reduce transaction friction, improve execution timelines, and expand treasury management capabilities for businesses seeking streamlined global payments.

Strategic Impact on Cross-Border Payment Infrastructure

Ripple stated on social media platform X that the partnership combines global payment rails with stablecoin-enabled settlement to improve speed, liquidity, and reliability for enterprise cross-border payments. The initiative reflects a broader transition toward multi-rail financial ecosystems where traditional and blockchain-based infrastructures operate together.

Convera deals with over 140 currencies across approximately 200 countries and territories, providing a distribution network for the stablecoin settlement model. By aligning their respective systems, the companies aim to address payment inefficiencies in regions where legacy payment rails remain slow or limited.

Ripple serves as the primary advocate for XRP Ledger and issuer of the RLUSD stablecoin. The partnership signals growing institutional adoption of hybrid payment systems that combine traditional fiat infrastructure with digital asset settlement mechanisms.

FAQ

What is the stablecoin sandwich model used by Ripple and Convera?

The stablecoin sandwich model is a settlement approach where payments begin and end in fiat currency while using regulated stablecoins, such as Ripple’s RLUSD, as the intermediary settlement layer. Convera orchestrates the end-to-end payment experience, while Ripple provides the underlying infrastructure for liquidity and cross-border settlement.

How does this partnership benefit enterprises?

Enterprises gain faster, more flexible global payments without directly handling digital assets. The model reduces transaction friction, improves execution timelines, and expands treasury management capabilities while maintaining compliance and operational control across jurisdictions.

What is Convera’s relationship to Western Union?

Convera was formerly known as Western Union Business Solutions. The business was sold in 2021 to Goldfinch Partners and The Baupost Group for $910 million and fully rebranded in 2023. The company has no remaining ownership ties to Western Union.