Ripple Secures EMI License and Cryptoasset Registration in the UK, Expanding Payment Operations
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Regulatory Milestone: On January 9, 2026, Ripple secured an Electronic Money Institution license and Cryptoasset Registration from the UK's FCA, marking a significant expansion of its regulated footprint in one of the world's key financial markets, enhancing integration potential with UK financial institutions.
- Payment Business Expansion: The newly acquired licenses enable Ripple to expand its payment operations across the UK, allowing institutions to utilize digital assets for cross-border payments within a regulated framework, thereby improving the efficiency and transparency of its global payment network.
- Strengthened XRP Role: This regulatory approval directly enhances XRP's role within Ripple's payments ecosystem, as the expansion of Ripple Payments in the UK increases the demand for efficient liquidity, further establishing XRP as a bridge asset in this system.
- Increased Market Participation: As Ripple expands its licensing portfolio, the real-world usage of XRP will rise, reducing friction for adoption and supporting consistent transaction flows through the XRP Ledger, which may positively influence XRP's price discovery over time.
About the author

Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.







