Ripple Gains Edge in Asia as Singapore Grants Expanded License

Ripple just scored a major regulatory win in one of Asia's most crucial financial hubs—and it's a move that could reshape cross-border payments across the region.

Singapore's financial watchdog has greenlit an expanded license for the blockchain firm, allowing it to offer a wider range of digital payment token services. This isn't just a routine approval; it's a strategic endorsement that positions Ripple at the heart of institutional crypto adoption in Asia.

Why Singapore Matters

Forget the hype—this is about infrastructure. Singapore has long positioned itself as a global fintech bridge, with a regulatory framework that traditional finance actually trusts. By securing this expanded foothold, Ripple isn't just adding another market; it's plugging directly into a network of banks and payment providers that move billions daily. The license effectively lets Ripple operate as a recognized player, not just a crypto experiment.

The Institutional Play

Ripple's strategy has consistently focused on the plumbing of finance, not the speculation. While other projects chase retail traders, Ripple is building corridors for institutional capital. This license expansion means its On-Demand Liquidity solution can now operate with greater legitimacy in a region hungry for faster, cheaper settlements. It's a classic bypass of the slow, correspondent banking system—cutting out intermediaries and their fees.

A Regional Domino Effect

Watch for ripple effects—pun intended. Regulatory clarity in Singapore often sets a precedent for neighboring markets. As more institutions in Asia seek efficient cross-border solutions, Ripple's certified presence provides a compliant on-ramp. This could accelerate adoption across Southeast Asia, where remittance flows are massive and ripe for disruption.

The move signals a quiet but significant shift: while crypto markets obsess over price swings, the real battle for blockchain utility is being won in regulatory offices. And sometimes, a single license is worth more than a thousand moon-shot tweets—especially when it comes from a regulator that traditional finance actually listens to.

TLDR

• Ripple has received approval from Singapore’s Monetary Authority to expand its payment services under an updated MPI license.
• The expanded license allows Ripple to offer a broader range of regulated services for financial institutions in Singapore.
• Ripple’s payment system uses XRP and RLUSD for cross-border transactions, enabling fast and secure payments for businesses.
• Ripple has made strategic acquisitions, such as Palisade, to enhance its institutional offerings and payment infrastructure.
• The Asia Pacific region has seen a surge in crypto activity, with Ripple positioning itself to support growing institutional demand.

Ripple has secured expanded approval from Singapore’s central bank to broaden its payment services across the region. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has granted Ripple Markets APAC an extension under its Major Payment Institution (MPI) license. This development allows Ripple to enhance its regulated payment activities within Singapore.

Ripple Secures Extended License from MAS

Ripple received its MPI license from MAS in 2023, which covered digital payment token services. On Monday, MAS approved an extension, permitting Ripple to expand its range of payment offerings. This updated scope supports Ripple’s broader business goals in Asia Pacific.

The license now supports a wider set of regulated services, including collection, holding, swapping, and payouts for institutions. Ripple stated that this expanded framework will help them better serve financial firms and businesses in Singapore. The MAS website still lists digital payment token services under Ripple’s license.

Monica Long, President of Ripple, said the company supports Singapore’s clear regulatory policies. She added, “The expanded license strengthens our ability to continue investing in Singapore.” She emphasized Ripple’s focus on providing the infrastructure needed for efficient and secure payments.

XRP and RLUSD Power Ripple Payments

Ripple’s payment system uses XRP and its new stablecoin RLUSD to handle cross-border transactions for clients. The platform offers on-ramps and off-ramps for fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat payments. It is designed to meet the needs of banks and enterprises.

Ripple has positioned XRP as a key asset in its digital payment infrastructure. RLUSD serves as a stable payment token within the Ripple ecosystem. Both assets are used to facilitate fast and low-cost global transfers.

The payment system is part of Ripple’s enterprise-focused services, which are gaining traction in the Asia Pacific region. It supports multiple currencies and integrates regulatory compliance at all stages. Ripple claims this approach ensures reliability for institutional clients.

Singapore Remains a Core Market

Ripple began operations in Singapore in 2017 and has steadily increased its presence since then. The company calls Singapore “pivotal” to its global business strategy and regional growth. Ripple maintains its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.

Fiona Murray, Ripple’s Asia Pacific head, confirmed growing regional demand for on-chain services. “The Asia Pacific region is experiencing strong activity,” she said. “Singapore is right at the center of that growth.” She highlighted Ripple’s readiness to meet institutional payment demands.

The company plans to continue building services from Singapore for the surrounding markets. It aims to support clients with a regulated, compliant platform across the region. Ripple emphasized the region’s fast-growing adoption of blockchain-powered payment tools.

Acquisitions Strengthen Ripple’s Institutional Offering

Ripple continues to scale its institutional offerings through global acquisitions. On November 4, the company acquired Palisade, a crypto custody and wallet service provider. This move supports Ripple’s growing infrastructure needs.

Ripple’s strategy includes expanding its product base for financial institutions. It focuses on delivering integrated services for asset custody, movement, and settlement. Acquisitions are central to Ripple’s roadmap for institutional growth.

The firm says these additions strengthen its position in the global digital payments space. With each acquisition, Ripple aims to provide a complete suite of services. These support clients seeking secure and compliant digital payment tools.

Regional Crypto Activity Surges

The Asia Pacific region recorded the highest growth in crypto activity, according to Chainalysis. Its Global Adoption Index showed a 69% increase in total value received across the region. Countries including India, Vietnam, and South Korea led this growth.

Singapore is also experiencing high on-chain transaction volume year over year. Ripple’s platform is now positioned to meet growing demand in regulated payment services. The license expansion allows Ripple to offer broader support in this evolving market.

Ripple confirmed that institutional clients across Asia Pacific are expanding their use of blockchain payments. The updated MPI license supports Ripple’s readiness to serve them under regulated frameworks. Ripple now moves forward with a broader set of offerings in Singapore.