Global payments firm Thunes has expanded its real-time payments infrastructure into the United States through a direct connection to a Tier 1 financial institution. The integration positions Thunes within the core of global banking infrastructure, reflecting a shift in how institutional cross-border payments are being structured. This expansion builds on Thunes' partnership with Ripple, which connects blockchain-based liquidity systems with regulated financial infrastructure across more than 140 countries and 90 currencies.
Thunes Establishes Direct Tier 1 Bank Connection in U.S.
Crypto observer SMQKE highlighted Thunes' expansion of real-time payments infrastructure into the United States. The move is anchored by a direct connection to a Tier 1 financial institution, an integration that places Thunes inside the core of global banking rather than at its edges.
Tier 1 banks form the backbone of the correspondent banking system. Direct access to them points to a higher level of trust, compliance alignment, and operational maturity in settlement and liquidity flows.
Thunes-Ripple Partnership Spans 140+ Countries and 90 Currencies
The expansion adds weight to Thunes' long-standing partnership with Ripple, which has focused on connecting blockchain-based liquidity systems with regulated financial infrastructure. Together, the two companies now extend their reach across more than 140 countries and 90 currencies, alongside access to billions of mobile wallets, reinforcing a payments network built for scale and speed.
Both Firms Hold Licenses Across All 50 U.S. States
Both entities operate under robust U.S. licensing frameworks, with Thunes licensed across all 50 states and Ripple similarly compliant. This regulatory positioning enables more direct participation in domestic payment rails, reduces dependence on intermediary banks, and supports faster settlement cycles across both domestic and international transfers.
Mastercard Integrates Stablecoin Settlement Into Payment Network
Thunes' approach points to a steady erosion of friction in traditional correspondent banking. Where multiple intermediaries once stood between sender and recipient, emerging networks are increasingly enabling direct, programmable movement of value with near real-time settlement.
This shift is also being mirrored across the broader industry. Mastercard has begun integrating stablecoin settlement capabilities into its network, reflecting a growing acceptance of hybrid payment architectures that blend traditional rails with blockchain-based liquidity.
Within this evolving landscape, Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is increasingly viewed as a potential institutional settlement asset, particularly where regulatory clarity and dollar-denominated stability are essential.
What is emerging is convergence innovation since real-time payment networks, regulated stablecoins, and blockchain-enabled settlement layers are gradually interconnecting through partnerships, licensing structures, and shared infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Thunes do in the United States?
Thunes expanded its real-time payments infrastructure into the United States through a direct connection to a Tier 1 financial institution, positioning the firm within the core of global banking infrastructure.
How does the Thunes-Ripple partnership operate across borders?
The Thunes-Ripple partnership connects blockchain-based liquidity systems with regulated financial infrastructure across more than 140 countries and 90 currencies, with access to billions of mobile wallets.
What licensing does Thunes hold in the United States?
Thunes is licensed across all 50 U.S. states, enabling direct participation in domestic payment rails and supporting faster settlement cycles across domestic and international transfers.
