Digital asset firm Ripple has been approved in the UK as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The firm was approved on January 9, 2026, under RIPPLE MARKETS UK LTD.
Via a post on X, Ripple said that it had also received Cryptoasset registration.
Monica Long, President at Ripple, stated in a release that finance is undergoing a fundamental shift where blockchain and digital assets serve as critical infrastructure.
“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 UK embracing the compliant infrastructure necessary to make this vision a reality.”
Ripple said the UK was “core to their global strategy.” The UK is a noted Fintech hub that has emerged alongside its global financial center. The company has held an office in London since 2016.
Cassie Craddock, Managing Director, UK & Europe at Ripple, described the approval as a pivotal moment for the firm, enabling them to provide infrastructure to UK businesses. She said the opportunity for Ripple is “colossal” and they will help UK firms seize the opportunity.
The approval also holds several stipulations, including that the firm will “not issue electronic money or provide payment services to a consumer, micro-enterprise, or charity.”
Services to retail clients are forbidden unless Ripple receives prior, written consent from the FCA.