TLDR:
- SBI Ripple Asia and AWAJ signed an MOU to provide XRPL technical support to financial startups in Asia.
- AWAJ already holds separate partnership agreements with JETRO and Ripple, expanding its regional influence.
- Support under the deal covers system design, security checks, and connections to existing financial infrastructure.
- The initiative targets globally scalable XRPL use cases, with Japan positioned as the development launchpad.
SBI Ripple Asia has signed a formal memorandum of understanding with Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. The partnership targets startups building financial services on blockchain technology.
Both organizations will work together to provide structured technical support. This marks a key step in expanding XRP Ledger adoption within Asia’s growing web3 sector.
SBI Ripple Asia and AWAJ Formalize Technical Support Framework for Blockchain Startups
The agreement focuses on supporting businesses that want to deploy financial services using XRPL.
SBI Ripple Asia brings deep experience in international remittance and payments infrastructure. AWAJ, meanwhile, operates as a venture studio connecting startups with investors and institutional partners.
According to the announcement, support will cover system configuration, technical design, and security verification. Each engagement will be handled through individual contracts between the parties involved. The scope of support will vary case by case.
SBI Ripple Asia is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, and is led by Representative Director Masashi Okuyama.
AWAJ is based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and is represented by Hinza Asif. The two organizations say this collaboration is premised specifically on the XRP Ledger.
AWAJ recently signed separate agreements with the Japan External Trade Organization and Ripple. Those deals have positioned it as a central node in Japan’s web3 ecosystem. The new MOU with SBI Ripple Asia adds another layer to that growing network.
XRPL Positions as Infrastructure of Choice for Asia’s Financial Innovation Push
The announcement highlights growing interest in blockchain-based financial services across the region.
However, it also acknowledges real barriers: regulatory complexity, security requirements, and business viability concerns. SBI Ripple Asia plans to help startups navigate all of these.
Technical support under this initiative will primarily reach startups in AWAJ’s innovation programs. These programs are designed to take early-stage ideas through proof-of-concept and into commercialization.
AWAJ describes its model as “hands-on,” going beyond simple networking.
The organizations say the goal extends beyond Japan. They aim to develop financial use cases on XRPL that can scale globally. Japan, in their framing, becomes the origin point for these internationally applicable solutions.
Per the official announcement, the partnership also envisions connection with existing financial systems, not just new blockchain infrastructure.
This practical framing sets it apart from more theoretical web3 initiatives. The emphasis stays on whether technology can function as a real financial service.
