Georgia’s Central Bank Partners with Ripple for Digital Lari Pilot

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has taken a significant step in the world of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) by selecting Ripple as its technology partner for its Digital Lari (GEL) pilot project. This partnership signifies Georgia’s commitment to exploring the potential of blockchain technology to modernize its financial landscape and economy.

Ripple, known for its expertise in enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions, emerged as the chosen partner for the Digital Lari project following a rigorous selection process. The decision was based on various factors, including Ripple’s deep understanding of the project’s objectives and potential use cases, as well as its commitment to ensuring the project’s success.

One of the key aspects of this partnership is Ripple’s CBDC technology, which will be at the core of the Digital Lari pilot project. The project aims to assess how a digital Lari could benefit not only the public sector but also businesses and retail users. This pilot project is set to play a pivotal role in the modernization of Georgia’s financial sector.

Ripple’s CBDC solution, the Ripple CBDC Platform, is designed to provide a comprehensive end-to-end solution for central banks, financial institutions, and governments. It enables them to efficiently create, manage, transact, and redeem CBDCs. Powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an energy-efficient and open-source blockchain, this technology aligns well with the global trend of adopting sustainable and efficient blockchain solutions.

Georgia’s National Bank expressed its enthusiasm for working with Ripple, highlighting the company’s technical excellence and the expertise of its team. It is evident that Georgia views this partnership as a strategic move towards embracing innovation and efficiency in its financial transactions, paving the way for secure and transparent blockchain-based operations.

As the Digital Lari pilot project advances, Georgia will be joining the ranks of countries worldwide exploring the possibilities of CBDCs. Ripple has been actively collaborating with various governments and central banks on similar projects in countries such as Bhutan, Palau, Montenegro, Colombia, and Hong Kong. These partnerships underline Ripple’s role as a global leader in advancing CBDC initiatives.

This partnership between Georgia’s National Bank and Ripple showcases a growing trend where governments are looking to leverage blockchain technology to create their own digital currencies, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of financial technology.