TLDR
- Ripple seeks to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) through the acquisition of BC Payments Australia
- April 1, 2026 marks the projected closing date for the transaction, providing Ripple with expedited entry into Australia’s regulated financial market
- Payment processing volume in the APAC region grew nearly 100% year-over-year for Ripple in 2025, part of $100 billion total volume across 60 global markets
- XRP price stood at $1.38 when the announcement was made, showing gains of 0.3% daily and 1.7% weekly
- Ripple has committed to participating in Project Acacia, a digital asset infrastructure program spearheaded by Australia’s central bank
Ripple has chosen to acquire an established payments provider in Australia to obtain regulatory authorization for crypto payment services in the country. This strategic approach bypasses the lengthy process of submitting and waiting for approval on a new licensing application.
The blockchain payments company revealed its intention to purchase BC Payments Australia Pty Ltd, a corporate affiliate of the European Banking Circle Group. This acquisition provides Ripple with immediate access to an Australian Financial Services License, which the firm identifies as critical for expanding its payment operations throughout the region.
April 1 represents the anticipated closing date for the acquisition, according to Fiona Murray, managing director of Ripple APAC. Murray noted that “enough institutional interest in digital assets to warrant the investment” exists in the market.
The strategic decision to purchase a company with an existing AFSL, rather than pursuing direct application, offers Ripple an accelerated pathway to market entry. The license transfer hinges on the successful completion of the acquisition transaction.
Once the AFSL becomes operational, Ripple will manage comprehensive payment operations — spanning client onboarding, regulatory compliance, funding mechanisms, foreign exchange services, liquidity oversight, and final disbursements — integrating conventional banking infrastructure with digital asset capabilities in a unified platform.
Several Australian businesses currently utilize Ripple Payments, including Hai Ha Money Transfer, Stables, Caleb & Brown, Flash Payments, and Independent Reserve.
Regional Expansion in Asia-Pacific
Ripple reported that payment volume across the APAC region experienced nearly 100% growth compared to the previous year in 2025, although precise figures were kept confidential. This regional expansion aligns with a significant company-wide achievement announced the prior week — reaching $100 billion in cumulative processed volume spanning 60 international markets.
The company will participate in Project Acacia, an exploratory program administered by the Reserve Bank of Australia alongside the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre, examining digital asset infrastructure development.
Australia continues developing its comprehensive cryptocurrency regulatory structure. The Digital Asset Framework legislation received approval from the lower legislative chamber in February and currently awaits Senate review. ASIC, the nation’s securities regulator, announced it will defer enforcement actions regarding licensing requirements until June 30, 2026 at the earliest.
Global Licensing Strategy
The Australian acquisition represents one component of a comprehensive global licensing strategy. Throughout the past year, Ripple obtained payment authorization in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The company recently received preliminary approval for a national trust banking charter within the United States.
Ripple pursued growth through multiple acquisitions, purchasing Hidden Road — subsequently renamed Ripple Prime — becoming the first cryptocurrency-native enterprise to operate a multi-asset prime brokerage platform. The company also acquired GTreasury, a corporate treasury management solution.
Murray expressed optimism that obtaining the AFSL could help mitigate crypto debanking challenges facing Australian customers, referencing restrictions imposed by major financial institutions on transfers to cryptocurrency platforms. Australia’s top four banking institutions — Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, National Australia Bank, and Westpac — have each implemented various forms of these limitations.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase similarly pursues AFSL authorization with plans to secure licensing within the upcoming months.
XRP maintained a price of $1.38 at the time of the announcement, reflecting a 0.3% increase for the trading day and 1.7% gain across the week.
