Overview
- FCA records dated January 9 list Ripple Markets UK Ltd. with Electronic Money Institution authorization and registration under the Money Laundering Regulations.
- The approval enables regulated payment and e-money services under FCA oversight, with an initial focus on banks, payment providers, and other institutional clients.
- FCA conditions currently bar retail services, crypto ATMs, and the appointment of agents or distributors, and prohibit issuing e‑money or providing payment services to consumers, micro‑enterprises, or charities without further consent.
- Crypto firms registered under the MLR, including Ripple, must apply for full FSMA authorization when the application window opens in September 2026 ahead of an October 2027 start to the new regime.
- XRP hovered near $2.1 with modest gains after the announcement, and commentators note EMI status could support future RLUSD stablecoin use if additional permissions are obtained.