Ripple grows regulated payment services footprint in Singapore

Ripple Labs has received approval from Singapore’s central bank to expand its payment services in the country. This move comes as the company adapts a major effort to attract more institutions by enhancing its business and offerings via acquisitions.

This news was revealed after reports indicated that Ripple’s Singapore branch, Ripple Markets APAC, had obtained permission from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to expand its regulated payment activities. 

However, the approval comes with specific requirements. According to this condition, Ripple was required to enhance its regulated payment activities under its Major Payment Institution (MPI) license.

The approval allows Ripple to offer comprehensive, fully licensed digital payment services in Singapore, a step that significantly broadens the firm’s capacity to deliver regulated, end-to-end crypto-enabled payments across the region.

Ripple expands institutional capabilities in Singapore

In a statement, Monica Long, President of Ripple, mentioned that the firm acknowledges Singapore’s innovative approach. She also expressed their belief that the expanded license enhances their ability to continue investing in the country and to establish the necessary infrastructure that financial institutions need to transfer their money effectively, swiftly, and securely.

For international transactions, sources highlighted that Ripple payments utilize digital payment tokens to facilitate this activity. Some of these digital payment tokens include their stablecoin, RLUSD, and XRP. These services were designed to function as both an on-ramp and an off-ramp, helping banks and businesses with collection, holding, swapping, and payouts, according to Ripple. 

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Ripple has made several key acquisitions to enhance its business and services targeting institutions this year. Ripple bought Palisade, a crypto firm that offers both wallet-as-a-service technology and operates as a licensed digital asset custodian in France.

Regarding its MPI license, it is worth noting that the company acquired this license in 2023. The MPI license enables it to provide its users in Singapore with regulated digital payment token services. 

When sources checked the MAS website on Monday of this week, they noticed that the website only lists digital payment token services that are licensed under Ripple. With this token, one can purchase or sell digital payment tokens or provide users with a platform that allows them to trade these tokens.

Singapore thrives due to acceptance of crypto activities 

Since 2017, Ripple has been actively operating in Singapore. When asked to comment on the country, the firm described Singapore as a significant area for its global operations.

Fiona Murray, currently serving as Ripple’s vice president and managing director for the Asia Pacific, weighed in on the topic of discussion. Murray stated that the country is thriving due to onchain activity, which is increasing significantly in the area, with a rise of around 70% compared to the previous year. This activity positions Singapore as a major player in this surge.

“With this wider range of payment activities, we can better assist the institutions driving this growth by providing a variety of regulated payment services, which will make payments faster and more efficient for our customers,” she added.

On the other hand, data from Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Adoption Index, published on September 3, noted that the Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth compared to previous years.

At this time, the total value received had totaled to $2.36 trillion, reflecting a 69% increase, with India, Pakistan, and Vietnam outperforming other countries. Notably, South Korea and Pakistan were among the top 20 in the ranking.

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