Ripple Targets AFSL to Bolster Australian Payments

Ripple has announced its intention to secure an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) as it ramps up its regulated footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. The move, driven by the proposed acquisition of BC Payments Australia, signals a significant shift in how the blockchain provider intends to service financial institutions and fintechs within the local market.

By securing the license, Ripple intends to offer a comprehensive, end-to-end platform for global fund movements. This infrastructure allows the firm to manage the entire transaction lifecycle – spanning onboarding, compliance, funding and liquidity management – while bridging the gap between legacy banking systems and digital assets.

With this latest move, Ripple is positioning its digital asset solutions as a viable upgrade for institutions currently reliant on legacy technology. The transition toward modern infrastructure remains a priority as the firm continues to collaborate with policymakers to define the future of regulated digital finance in Australia.

Strategic licensing in APAC

The acquisition of BC Payments Australia, which remains subject to standard completion processes, is a calculated step in Ripple’s broader regional strategy. The AFSL represents more than just a regulatory checkbox; it provides the legal framework necessary to scale high-speed, cross-border value transfers for enterprises that require strict adherence to local compliance standards.

The focus remains on reliability and regulatory collaboration as the company seeks to replace fragmented payment routes with a more streamlined digital alternative. Ripple currently holds 75 regulatory licences globally. 

This puts the firm in a unique position amongst digital asset companies, many of which struggle to meet the rigorous oversight required by traditional financial regulators. Beyond its commercial ventures, Ripple is also engaging with public sector initiatives, including Project Acacia – an exploratory venture led by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre.

Fiona Murray, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Ripple says: “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. 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.”

Streamlining global settlements

The integration of the AFSL will allow Ripple to directly oversee settlement processes and connect its clients to local payout partners. By optimising transaction routing, the company aims to reduce counterparty risk and eliminate the need for businesses to manage multiple intermediaries.

A  single integration into Ripple’s infrastructure provides access to global liquidity without the burden of managing the underlying blockchain technology, bringing benefits to fintechs globally, and now, Australia. 

 The model is designed to offer faster settlement times and enhanced transparency, addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the traditional correspondent banking system.

The expansion comes at a time of rapid growth for the firm. Ripple’s payments volume in the APAC region nearly doubled year-on-year in 2025, buoyed by partnerships with local players such as Flash Payments, Independent Reserve and Hai Ha Money Transfer.