Ripple Gains Expanded Approval From Singapore's MAS to Boost Regional Payment Services

Source: DefiPlanet Original Title: Ripple Gains Expanded Approval From Singapore’s MAS to Boost Regional Payment Services Original Link: https://defi-planet.com/2025/12/ripple-gains-expanded-approval-from-singapores-mas-to-boost-regional-payment-services/

Quick Breakdown

• Ripple secures MAS approval to expand its regulated payment activities in Singapore.
• The move strengthens Ripple’s institutional services and follows recent strategic acquisitions.
• APAC crypto adoption surges, with Singapore positioned as a key growth hub.

Ripple secures wider regulatory approval in Singapore

Ripple Labs has received fresh approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to expand the scope of its operations under its Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence. The new authorization allows Ripple Markets APAC, the firm’s Singapore arm, to deepen its payment activity offerings as the company pushes further into institutional services across the region.

Ripple President Monica Long said the approval reinforces the firm’s confidence in Singapore’s “forward-thinking regulatory environment,” adding that it strengthens Ripple’s ability to invest in local infrastructure to help financial institutions move money “efficiently, quickly and safely.”

Ripple payments and recent acquisitions

Ripple Payments, the company’s cross-border settlement solution, uses digital payment tokens, including its stablecoin RLUSD and XRP, for global transfers. The system offers collection, holding, swapping, and payout services for banks and corporates, functioning as a comprehensive on- and off-ramp.

The expanded licence comes during an active year of acquisitions for Ripple. Most recently, on November 4, the firm purchased Palisade, a crypto custody and wallet provider, to bolster its institution-focused portfolio.

Singapore remains a strategic hub

Although Ripple secured its MPI licence in 2023, the MAS website currently lists only digital payment token services under its supervised activities. These primarily cover buying, selling, or providing platforms for the exchange of digital tokens.

Ripple has operated in Singapore since 2017, describing the city-state as “pivotal” to its global strategy due to its regulatory clarity and proximity to major APAC markets.

APAC crypto adoption hits new highs

Crypto usage across the Asia-Pacific region is rising sharply. Fiona Murray, Ripple’s vice president and managing director for APAC, noted that on-chain activity in the region has grown around 70% year-over-year, with Singapore positioned “at the center of that growth.”

Chainalysis’ 2025 Global Adoption Index shows APAC leading worldwide growth, with total value received jumping 69% to $2.36 trillion. India, Pakistan and Vietnam topped the regional rankings, while the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand also made the global top 20.

Murray said the expanded approval enables Ripple to support better institutions, driving this momentum by offering a broader suite of regulated payment services.