Ripple, a US FinTech that offers crypto solutions for businesses, has recieved approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence and Cryptoasset Registration from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The authorisations enable Ripple to expand its licensed payments platform Ripple Payments in the UK, enabling British institutions to send cross-border payments using digital assets.

The end-to-end cross-border payment platform manages the flow of funds on behalf of its customers, connecting them to its global payment partners to offer fast payment capabilities around the world.

The company said that with its fully licensed services, Ripple will manage the underlying blockchain and operational complexity for UK businesses, enabling them to quickly launch digital payment services “without incurring the costs or burdens of managing the infrastructure.”

The UK represents a key market for Ripple’s global strategy, with London hosting its biggest office outside of the US since 2016.

The firm has also been investing in the country, making significant contributions to UK-based blockchain developers and start-ups, as well as over £5 million committed to UK universities through its flagship University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) programme.

Cassie Craddock, managing director, UK and Europe at Ripple, said that the approvals will enable Ripple to provide essential digital assets infrastructure to UK businesses.

Monica Long, president of Ripple, added that the financial sector is undergoing radical change, with the company entering a new era characterised by blockchain and digital assets, which serve as a fundamental 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,” she added.

The move comes after the FCA launched a consultation on proposed rules for the crypto industry in December last year, a day after the government said the sector would be brought into the regulatory perimeter from October 2027.

The FCA outlined plans covering admissions and disclosures for cryptoasset listings, market abuse controls, standards for trading platforms, requirements for intermediaries, clearer risk communication on staking, protections for lending and borrowing, prudential safeguards for firms, and questions on how decentralised finance should be treated.

Consultation responses are open until 12 February 2026, with the regulator aiming to finalise the regime by the end of next year.

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