Ripple (XRP) is exploded in the value in December 2017 after about 4 years of dormant presence.
More and more financial institutions are partnering with Ripple as of Feb 2018.
What makes Ripple so special?
Ripple's low trading fees and transaction speed can shake up the global banking industry. Cross border bank to bank transactions can settle in seconds with Ripple technology ( as opposed to days with the current technology- Swift system, developed in 1970)
Ripple's Partnerships:
Western Union confirms the plan working with Ripple for their money transfer service
( source: https://futurism.com/western-union-ripple-tests/)Saudi Arabia's central bank is working with Ripple
( source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-cenbank-currency/saudi-arabias-central-bank-signs-blockchain-deal-with-ripple-idUSKCN1FZ0LDIDT Corporation, which provides international long distance and payment services, and MercuryFX, which offers discount rates on foreign exchange transactions are partnering with Ripple for their money transfer service
Ripple partners with chinese payment provide Lian Lian ( source:https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/ripple-partners-chinese-payment-provider-lianlian-international/)
2 minutes video on how Ripple works