Prominent crypto researcher SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) recently resurfaced a video from the UK Fintech Week where industry leaders discussed the growing convergence between global payment networks and digital platforms.

The clip included remarks noting that Ripple is working with American Express, emphasizing how established financial institutions are adapting to online, cross-border payment systems.

SMQKE shared the footage to remind audiences that Ripple’s involvement with American Express dates back several years, long before the latest wave of crypto-fintech partnerships. The researcher’s post gained traction within the XRP community, which has long viewed Ripple’s enterprise partnerships as evidence of XRP’s sustained relevance in finance.

“American Express is working with Ripple.”

Listen closely.https://t.co/Aq7FXU9crspic.twitter.com/r0UnDIjkHt

— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) October 13, 2025

Ripple’s Collaboration with American Express

The UK Fintech Week discussion emphasized how major financial companies, including Visa, Wirecard, and American Express, have been investing heavily in technology and forming partnerships to enhance global digital payment systems.

The speaker noted that these firms are focused on improving online platforms and enabling merchants to conduct transactions more efficiently across international markets. Ripple’s collaboration with American Express was highlighted as an example of how established payment providers are adopting blockchain-based solutions to modernize cross-border payments and strengthen their global infrastructure.

XRP is designed to facilitate real-time, cross-border transactions, and experts have shown that American Express uses XRP. The partnership has focused on improving international payments for corporate customers, allowing faster and more transparent settlements between businesses operating in different regions.

Industry Movement Toward Global Payment Integration

The renewed focus on Ripple’s role comes amid news that Coinbase is working with American Express to launch a crypto credit card that offers Bitcoin rewards. The announcement positioned American Express within the growing trend of traditional payment firms entering consumer-focused digital asset products.

However, as SMQKE emphasized by sharing the video, Ripple’s relationship with American Express predates this development and reflects an earlier phase of blockchain adoption in financial services.

This distinction has been a point of pride for XRP advocates, who argue that the digital asset is superior to its competitors and has maintained a consistent presence in enterprise-level payment innovation.

The comments made at the UK Fintech Week framed these partnerships as part of a long-term industry evolution rather than isolated collaborations. By aligning with firms like Ripple, American Express, and other payment giants, they aim to strengthen their infrastructure for international digital transactions.