Ripple Moves to Secure Australian Financial Services License for APAC Payments

Ripple moves to secure an Australian financial services license, positioning its blockchain payments network for deeper expansion across Asia-Pacific while tightening regulatory footing in one of the region’s most active digital asset markets.

Ripple Strengthens Global Compliance Network With Australian License Plan

Ripple plans to secure an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) to expand its regulated payments offering in Australia and across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the blockchain-based enterprise solutions provider stated on March 11. The initiative aims to support financial institutions, fintechs, and enterprises seeking faster cross-border value transfers within established regulatory frameworks.

Fiona Murray, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Ripple, stated the licensing effort supports the company’s global compliance strategy and regional growth plans. Murray explained:

“Licensing is fundamental to Ripple’s strategy, ensuring we can deliver secure, compliant solutions to customers worldwide.”

“Australia is a key market for Ripple, and an AFSL strengthens our ability to scale Ripple Payments across the region,” the executive continued. “By leveraging blockchain technology and digital assets, we enable customers to move value globally with greater speed, transparency, and reliability. We remain focused on working closely with regulators to support the next phase of growth for digital asset infrastructure.”

The company outlined that it intends to obtain the license through the proposed acquisition of BC Payments Australia Pty Ltd. The announcement states:

“Ripple will obtain its AFSL through the proposed acquisition of BC Payments Australia Pty Ltd, which is subject to finalizing the standard completion process. This will strengthen Ripple’s ability to offer a licensed, end-to-end platform for moving funds globally.”

With the AFSL in place, the payments platform would manage the full lifecycle of transactions including onboarding, compliance, funding, foreign exchange, liquidity management, and final payout. The acquisition of BC Payments Australia is expected to provide Ripple with an existing AFSL rather than requiring a new license application, allowing faster entry into the regulated market once the transaction closes.

Meanwhile, APAC payments volume nearly doubled year over year in 2025, reflecting increased regional demand for blockchain-based settlement infrastructure, Ripple noted. The network works with institutions including Hai Ha Money Transfer, Novatti Group, Stables, Caleb & Brown, Flash Payments, and Independent Reserve. The company holds more than 75 regulatory licenses globally and participates in initiatives such as Project Acacia led by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre.

FAQ 🧭

• Why is Ripple seeking an Australian Financial Services License?

Ripple aims to expand regulated cross-border payment services across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region.

• How could the AFSL impact Ripple’s payments network?

The license would allow Ripple to operate a fully regulated end-to-end payments platform in Australia.

• What does Ripple’s acquisition of BC Payments Australia mean?

The acquisition is expected to provide the regulatory pathway for Ripple to secure the AFSL.

• Why is the Asia Pacific region important for Ripple?

Rapid growth in APAC cross-border payments demand makes the region a major expansion opportunity for Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure.