Ripple Secures MAS Approval to Broaden Digital Payment Services in Singapore

Ripple has scored a major regulatory win in Asia. On December 1, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved an expanded scope for Ripple’s Major Payment Institution (MPI) license. As a result, it can now offer end-to-end digital payment services across Singapore.

This means businesses can use Ripple for the full payment cycle. They can collect funds, hold digital assets, swap tokens and send payouts under one regulated system. It marks a big leap from Ripple’s earlier approval in 2023. More importantly, the move strengthens Singapore’s role as a global fintech hub and gives Ripple deeper roots in the region.

What the Expanded License Allows it to Do

With the expanded approval, Ripple can now deliver fully licensed digital token payment services. These include tokens like XRP and its stablecoin RLUSD. Payments can settle in minutes, not days. This removes the need for businesses to juggle banks, payment processors and crypto platforms. It now handles everything through a single integration. That simplifies cross-border payments and cuts down costs.

At the same time, companies can choose whether to hold digital tokens or instantly convert them. This flexibility lowers risk for firms that want blockchain speed without price exposure. It also manages the underlying blockchain rails. So businesses don’t need to build or maintain complex infrastructure. The service stays fast, simple and regulated.

Ripple Leaders Praise Singapore’s Clear Rules

Ripple President Monica Long welcomed the approval and praised Singapore’s regulatory approach. She said the company follows a regulation-first strategy and sees Singapore as proof that innovation works best when rules are clear. Ripple’s Asia-Pacific chief Fiona Murray echoed that view. She pointed out that on-chain activity across Asia is up nearly 70% year over year. Singapore, she said, sits right at the center of that growth. With this new approval, Ripple can now better serve banks, fintech firms and crypto companies that want fast, compliant payment services. It also helps institutions move money across borders without long delays.

Singapore Remains Core to it’s Global Strategy

Ripple opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore back in 2017. Since then, the city-state has played a key role in its global expansion. MAS has built a reputation for offering clear and forward looking digital asset rules. Consequently, that has attracted major Web3 firms and financial institutions from around the world. Now, therefore, Ripple joins a small group of blockchain companies with a full MPI license and expanded payment powers.

The approval boosts confidence in regulated crypto payments at a time when many regions remain cautious. Looking ahead, this move positions it for faster growth across Southeast Asia. It also supports wider use of XRP and RLUSD in real-world financial systems. In short, Ripple just upgraded its Singapore presence from “licensed” to “fully operational” for Asia’s digital payment market. That’s a serious power move.