Recent payment processing delays at American Express have ignited industry speculation about potential integration with Ripple’s blockchain technology. The financial services giant attributed the service disruptions to a ‘Federal Reserve System update’ and a ‘wide system upgrade,’ but analysts note the ambiguous explanation fuels rumors of RippleNet implementation.
This speculation stems from Amex’s existing RippleNet partnership, historically used for specific corridors like US-UK transactions. Further credibility comes from Amex’s recent crypto initiatives, including its collaboration with Coinbase to launch the Bitcoin rewards-based Coinbase One Card, signaling strategic focus on crypto-financial convergence.
Market reaction remains measured, with Ripple’s XRP trading near $2.22 amid unconfirmed reports. Industry experts including American Express’s Will Stredwick have publicly acknowledged synergy potential between cryptocurrency technology and Amex’s payment network, though no official confirmation links the delays to RippleNet development.