Ripple Receives FCA Approval to Expand Crypto Payment Services in the UK

Ripple Receives FCA Approval to Expand UK Operations

Ripple, a leading company in cryptocurrency payments, has secured authorization from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to broaden its payment services within the country, according to an announcement made on Friday.

The FCA has granted Ripple both a Cryptoasset Registration and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license. With these approvals, businesses in the UK can now utilize Ripple’s platform for international payments involving digital currencies.

“Expanding Ripple’s licensing and payment solutions is about more than just efficiency; it’s about unlocking vast amounts of dormant capital and creating a world where value can be transferred instantly,” stated Monica Long, President of Ripple.

She further expressed excitement about the UK’s proactive approach to building a compliant financial infrastructure that supports this vision.

This development follows the FCA’s recent release of updated requirements for companies planning to engage in regulated crypto asset activities once new rules take effect in 2027.

Under the proposed regulations, all crypto-related businesses will fall under comprehensive FCA supervision, subjecting them to the same consumer protection and market conduct standards as other financial services in the UK.

To comply with these new standards, all firms—including those already registered with the FCA—will be required to submit fresh applications for approval before the new regulatory framework is implemented. The application process is expected to begin in September.

Ripple emphasized that the FCA’s approval of its subsidiary, Ripple Markets UK LTD, highlights the company’s strong and ongoing dedication to the UK, describing the country as a central part of its global strategy.

Ripple’s London office is its largest outside the United States, and the company has invested over $6.6 million in UK universities through its University Blockchain Research Initiative.

“The UK is renowned for its robust regulatory standards. The FCA’s thorough approach to compliance aligns perfectly with Ripple’s commitment to regulatory adherence,” commented Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for the UK and Europe.

Craddock added, “Receiving FCA approval marks a significant milestone for Ripple, allowing us to deliver vital digital asset infrastructure to UK enterprises. We’ve observed in other regions that clear regulations encourage adoption, and the UK is well-positioned to benefit.”

This regulatory success in early 2026 continues Ripple’s momentum, following the resolution of its longstanding legal dispute with the SEC in the United States last year.

The cryptocurrency XRP, associated with Ripple, has risen approximately 1% over the past 24 hours and has surged more than 11% in the last week, recently reaching a price of $2.13.