Ripple has secured FCA approval for its EMI licence and crypto registration, enabling UK banks and fintechs to use regulated digital assets for faster cross-border payments.
Ripple has received approval of its electronic money institution (EMI) licence and cryptoasset registration from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), enabling UK institutions to send cross-border payments using digital assets quickly and efficiently.
Ripple Payments is a licensed, end-to-end solution that manages fund flows and connects to global payout partners, handling blockchain and operational complexity so businesses can launch digital payment services without managing infrastructure themselves.
For UK banks and fintechs, Ripple shows how blockchain and digital assets can be integrated with existing financial systems to improve settlement, liquidity, and operational resilience—illustrating how regulated innovation can scale safely across both established institutions and emerging financial technology companies.
“Finance is undergoing a fundamental shift, and we are rapidly moving beyond pilots into a new era where blockchain and digital assets serve as critical infrastructure for the global economy,” says Monica Long, president at Ripple. “Extending Ripple’s licensing portfolio and payments solution is about more than just efficiency; it is about unlocking trillions in dormant capital and realising a world where value moves instantaneously. We are thrilled to see the UK embracing the compliant infrastructure necessary to make this vision a reality.”
Ripple’s approvals reflect its long-term commitment to the UK. London hosts Ripple’s largest office outside the U.S., and the company has invested in the local blockchain ecosystem and universities, including over £5 million through the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).
“The UK has a well-deserved reputation for high regulatory standards. The FCA’s rigorous approach to compliance mirrors Ripple’s commitment to adhering to regulations,” says Cassie Craddock, managing director, UK & Europe at Ripple. “Securing approvals from the FCA is a pivotal moment for Ripple, enabling us to provide essential digital assets infrastructure to UK businesses. The opportunity presented by digital assets is colossal, and with our new licence, Ripple is ready to help the UK’s businesses seize that opportunity.”
Ripple also supports institutional needs across custody, payments, stablecoins, and multi-asset prime brokerage, all built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) for fast, low-cost cross-border settlements.
