Merrick, Ripple's Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, attended the event on November 2–3, organized by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as part of Dubai Future Finance Week. In an X post published on November 4, he shared key observations from a discussion involving representatives from BlackRock, Standard Chartered and Robinhood.
Institutional Crypto Markets Need 24/7 Infrastructure
One of the central themes was the need for financial systems capable of operating continuously. Merrick said the next generation of digital asset markets will require payment and settlement infrastructure that functions around the clock, rather than depending on the opening and closing hours of traditional financial markets.
"The 24/7 reality: The next generation requires always-on rails. Markets with 'opening hours' just won't cut it," Merrick wrote in his post.
The observation highlights an infrastructure challenge for institutions entering digital asset markets. Traditional financial systems and operating schedules may not fully accommodate markets that function continuously, making always-on payment and settlement capabilities an important consideration.
Bridging Traditional Finance and DeFi
Merrick also emphasized the need to connect traditional finance (TradFi) with decentralized finance (DeFi) as tokenized markets expand. He said institutional participation at scale depends on infrastructure that meets established financial-sector requirements.
That includes bank-grade systems, reliable custody services and effective risk management. These capabilities are important for financial institutions seeking to participate in tokenized markets while maintaining the operational safeguards expected in traditional finance.
"Bridging TradFi & DeFi: Scaling tokenized markets requires real bank-grade infrastructure, custody, and risk management," Merrick wrote.
He added that Ripple sees enterprise infrastructure, tokenization and stablecoins as part of the connection between traditional financial services and blockchain-based markets.
Ripple's Expanding Presence in the UAE
Ripple has established a broader presence in the UAE through its relationship with the Dubai International Financial Centre. In 2024, the company announced a partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub, an innovation ecosystem within the financial centre, to support blockchain innovation in the country.
In 2026, Ripple announced the opening of its Middle East and Africa regional headquarters at the DIFC, highlighting the importance of the UAE to its regional operations.
Merrick's participation in the Dubai Fintech Summit placed Ripple among discussions involving major financial and technology firms on the infrastructure needed to support institutional digital asset markets. His remarks focused on two priorities: continuous financial connectivity and the integration of traditional banking standards with decentralized finance.
source: u.today
Writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.
Writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.
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The articles on Hokanews are here to keep you updated on the latest buzz in crypto, tech, and beyond—but they’re not financial advice. We’re sharing info, trends, and insights, not telling you to buy, sell, or invest. Always do your own homework before making any money moves.
Hokanews isn’t responsible for any losses, gains, or chaos that might happen if you act on what you read here. Investment decisions should come from your own research—and, ideally, guidance from a qualified financial advisor. Remember: crypto and tech move fast, info changes in a blink, and while we aim for accuracy, we can’t promise it’s 100% complete or up-to-date.
