A silent but seismic transformation may be underway in global remittances. Western Union’s recent acquisition of International Money Express Inc. (Intermex) is more than just another corporate consolidation. It marks a potential turning point in how one of the world’s largest payment providers could integrate blockchain technology into its existing infrastructure.
Rather than rebuilding from scratch, Western Union appears to be positioning itself to leverage a ready-made solution that already functions on Ripple’s blockchain network — a move that could redefine cross-border payments for decades to come.
Western Union’s Strategic Acquisition of Intermex
In August 2025, Western Union announced it would acquire Intermex in a deal valued at approximately $500 million. The acquisition was officially framed as an effort to “expand Latin American reach and strengthen digital payment capabilities.”
However, the deeper implications lie in Intermex’s technological partnerships. Since 2020, Intermex has been working with Ripple, integrating RippleNet and testing On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) — Ripple’s flagship solution that utilizes XRP to facilitate instant, low-cost settlements across borders.
By bringing Intermex under its umbrella, Western Union has not only gained access to a strong remittance network in Latin America but also inherited Ripple-integrated corridors that are already live and operational. This means that Ripple’s technology, the XRP Ledger (XRPL), and XRP itself are now part of Western Union’s expanding technological arsenal.
Western Union will use Ripple, XRPL and XRP.
Big players don't build a new wheel, they buy or acquire it.
Dem fools who think of XRP tokenomics haven't got a clue what is happening here.
Ripple is an integrator, service provider and compliance beast. They are a very… https://t.co/sj2WX1ZmR3
— Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) October 27, 2025
Ripple’s Integration Advantage
Vincent Van Code, a software engineer, underscored this connection in his X post, asserting that “Western Union will use Ripple, XRPL, and XRP.”
He emphasized that major players in finance “don’t build a new wheel; they buy or acquire it,” pointing out that Ripple’s role as an integrator and compliance powerhouse makes it a highly attractive partner for institutions seeking scalability and regulatory clarity.
Ripple’s value proposition lies in its ability to streamline global payments through a single, interoperable network. The XRPL provides sub-second settlement, high security, and negligible transaction costs, while XRP acts as a bridge asset, removing the need for pre-funded accounts in multiple currencies.
Western Union’s potential adoption of these tools through its Intermex acquisition aligns with the industry trend of legacy institutions quietly embedding blockchain layers into their operations.
The Compliance and Expansion Perspective
Ripple has long positioned itself not just as a blockchain company but as a regulatory-compliant payment solutions provider. This fits seamlessly with Western Union’s compliance-heavy business model.
With ODL, Western Union can achieve faster settlements, reduce liquidity costs, and optimize treasury operations — all without overhauling its existing financial infrastructure. The acquisition gives it a tested route to scale these benefits globally.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Western Union has not publicly confirmed a full transition to Ripple’s technology. Implementation at scale would depend on regulatory approval, regional adoption, and treasury risk frameworks. However, the groundwork has been laid.
A Transformative Step Toward Blockchain-Enabled Remittances
For the broader industry, Western Union’s move represents a strategic acknowledgment that blockchain-based liquidity solutions are no longer experimental — they are operational, cost-efficient, and increasingly necessary in a world demanding instant value transfer.
If Western Union fully leverages Ripple, XRPL, and XRP through its Intermex acquisition, it could set a precedent for traditional money transfer giants transitioning toward blockchain-powered settlement systems.
As Vincent Van Code aptly noted, this is not about tokenomics hype — it’s about practical, large-scale integration of technology that solves real-world liquidity problems.
The remittance landscape is changing — and with this acquisition, Western Union might just have positioned itself at the forefront of that evolution.