Overview
- On January 9, the Financial Conduct Authority added Ripple Markets UK Ltd. to its register with Electronic Money Institution status and cryptoasset registration.
- The permissions enable regulated payment and e‑money services for institutional use, with FCA records barring retail clients, crypto ATMs, the appointment of agents or distributors, and issuance of e‑money or payment services to consumers, micro‑enterprises or charities without prior consent.
- The registration signals compliance with UK anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorist financing rules rather than granting full financial services authorisation.
- UK plans require crypto firms to apply for full authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act, with applications expected to open in September 2026 and the new regime taking effect in October 2027.
- XRP saw only a slight move near $2.10 following the news, as Ripple emphasized institutional payments expansion from its London base and continued university funding in the UK.