Ripple has secured an EMI authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority, enabling it to scale its operations in the UK.
The new regulatory permissions come as Ripple accelerates its expansion into major regulated markets, to position the brand as a leading compliant provider of blockchain‑based financial infrastructure.
In a media statement, Monica Long, president at Ripple, said: “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.”
“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 announced it has secured both an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence and Cryptoasset Registration from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, marking one of its most significant regulatory milestones to date.
The approvals allow the company to expand its licensed payments platform, enabling UK institutions to send cross‑border payments using digital assets with greater speed and efficiency.
Ripple Payments, the company’s end‑to‑end cross‑border payments solution, manages fund flows on behalf of customers and connects them to a global network of payout partners.
By handling blockchain and operational complexity behind the scenes, Ripple aims to help businesses launch digital payment services without the cost or burden of building their own infrastructure.
London has hosted the company’s largest office outside the United States since 2016, and Ripple continues to grow its UK headcount while supporting the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Cassie Craddock, Managing Director for the UK and Europe, said the FCA’s approval reflects the country’s high regulatory standards and Ripple’s commitment to compliance. She added that regulatory clarity has accelerated adoption in other markets and positions the UK to capitalise on the “colossal” opportunity presented by digital assets.
All of Ripple’s products are built on the XRP Ledger, a public blockchain using its native digital asset, XRP.
