Ripple has obtained an electronic money institution license and crypto asset registration from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, enabling it to expand its cross-border payment services in the country. The approvals, announced on January 9, 2026, support Ripple's commitment to compliant digital asset infrastructure in the region. Company executives hailed the move as a pivotal step toward unlocking global value transfer opportunities.
On January 9, 2026, Ripple announced that it has received key regulatory approvals from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These include an electronic money institution (EMI) license and crypto asset registration, which will allow the company to scale its Ripple Payments solution in the United Kingdom.
Ripple Payments is a cross-border payment platform that leverages digital assets to facilitate global payouts. It manages the flow of funds for customers and connects them to international payout partners, handling the underlying blockchain and operational complexities. This enables businesses to launch digital payment services without building their own infrastructure.
The new permissions underscore Ripple's dedication to the UK market. Monica Long, Ripple's president, stated in the press release: “Extending Ripple’s licensing portfolio and payments solution is about more than just efficiency; it is about unlocking trillions in dormant capital and realizing a world where value moves instantaneously. We are thrilled to see the U.K. embracing the compliant infrastructure necessary to make this vision a reality.”
Cassie Craddock, managing director for the UK and Europe at Ripple, described the approvals as “a pivotal moment” for the company. She added: “We have seen in other jurisdictions how regulatory clarity drives adoption, and the U.K. is poised to take advantage. The opportunity presented by digital assets is colossal, and with our new license, Ripple is ready to help the U.K.’s businesses seize that opportunity.”
This development follows recent expansions elsewhere. In December 2025, Ripple broadened its payment services in Singapore after approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In November 2025, its Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin gained recognition in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center.
