Delivering Anticipatory Aid with RLUSD
Mercy Corps Ventures is the impact investing arm of the global humanitarian agency Mercy Corps. They provide early-stage capital and strategic support to startups in emerging markets, focusing on inclusive fintech and climate resilience.
Goal
In partnership with Mercy Corps Ventures, DIVA Donate, and Fortune Credit, Ripple deployed its RLUSD stablecoin in a live parametric aid program in Kenya. The goal was not only to deliver aid faster and more cost-effectively, but to deliver it before an anticipated disaster took place.
Solution
When satellite-derived vegetation data dropped below a trigger threshold, smart contracts released RLUSD automatically, and households received aid payments via M-Pesa within hours. The results: 64% lower operational costs, settlement times reduced by 95%, and 85% of households reporting stronger financial resilience.
Ripple has been a catalytic funder and partner for Mercy Corps Ventures, helping us drive meaningful impact across our portfolio.
Scott Onder
Chief Investment Officer
Mercy Corps Ventures is the impact investment arm of Mercy Corps, a leading global humanitarian organization. Through Unlocking Opportunity, a joint initiative with Ripple, Mercy Corps Ventures backs early-stage fintechs and runs innovative pilots to build financial resilience for communities in emerging markets.