- Ripple said FCA approval grants it an EMI licence and crypto registration, allowing regulated digital asset payments in the UK.
- The approval lets UK institutions use Ripple Payments for cross-border transfers without managing blockchain infrastructure.
- Ripple said the UK remains a strategic hub, supporting custody, payments, and XRP Ledger-based settlement services.
Ripple confirmed that it secured approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority for an Electronic Money Institution licence and Cryptoasset Registration. The announcement, made in the UK, allows Ripple to expand Ripple Payments for regulated cross-border transactions using digital assets. The approval enables UK institutions to access licensed digital payment services through Ripple’s existing platform.
FCA Approval Expands Ripple Payments Access
According to Ripple, the FCA approvals allow the company to offer licensed payment services to UK-based institutions. Notably, the Electronic Money Institution licence supports regulated payment activity, while the crypto registration allows compliant use of digital assets.
Together, the permissions enable Ripple Payments to operate at scale in the UK market. Ripple Payments manages cross-border fund transfers by connecting customers with global payout partners.
However, the platform handles blockchain processes internally. As a result, businesses can offer digital payment services without managing blockchain infrastructure. This structure allows institutions to move funds internationally using digital assets within a regulated framework.
UK Strategy Anchored in Regulation and Infrastructure
Ripple stated that the UK remains central to its global strategy. London has hosted Ripple’s largest office outside the United States since 2016. Over time, the company expanded its UK workforce and increased local investment.
Additionally, Ripple committed more than £5 million to UK universities through its University Blockchain Research Initiative. Cassie Craddock, Managing Director for the UK and Europe, said the FCA’s approval reflects alignment between regulatory expectations and Ripple’s compliance approach.
She noted that the approvals allow Ripple to provide regulated digital asset infrastructure to UK businesses. According to Craddock, clearer regulation supports broader institutional adoption of digital asset services.
Product Coverage Across Payments and Digital Assets
Ripple offers services across custody, payments, and its stablecoin, Ripple USD. Notably, Ripple Prime extends these capabilities through prime brokerage, clearing, and financing services. These services cover foreign exchange, digital assets, derivatives, swaps, and fixed income markets.
Ripple develops its products on the XRP Ledger, a public blockchain designed for cross-border settlement. XRP functions as the network’s native digital asset. According to Ripple, the ledger supports fast and low-cost value transfers. Monica Long, Ripple’s president, said the approvals allow regulated digital asset infrastructure to support cross-border payments for UK institutions.
