XRP News Today: Singapore's Regulatory Clarity Enables Ripple's Digital Payment Infrastructure Growth

Ripple has secured an expanded Major Payment Institution (MPI) license in Singapore, granting the firm broader authority to offer regulated cross-border payment services using its digital assets, including XRP and RLUSD. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved the expansion, enabling Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd. to deepen its role in the city-state's financial ecosystem, a critical hub for the company's Asia-Pacific operations. This move aligns with rising on-chain activity in the region, which has surged by nearly 70% year-over-year, according to Ripple.

The expanded license allows Ripple to deploy its Ripple Payments platform, which leverages XRP and RLUSD to streamline cross-border transactions for banks, fintechs, and crypto service providers. The system reduces operational complexity by handling technical infrastructure, enabling clients to access digital asset-based payments without maintaining their own blockchain systems. Monica Long, Ripple's president, highlighted Singapore's regulatory clarity as a key factor in the company's decision to expand its footprint, stating the license strengthens ongoing investments in the city-state.

Singapore's strategic importance for Ripple is underscored by its role as a gateway to Asia's growing digital finance market. The firm has operated in Singapore since 2017 and now aims to scale its infrastructure to support faster, cheaper international money transfers. Fiona Murray, Ripple's managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, emphasized that Singapore's regulatory environment fosters innovation while maintaining financial stability.

The company's focus on regulated digital assets extends beyond Singapore. Recently, Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin received approval for institutional use in Abu Dhabi's Global Market (ADGM) after being designated an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This clearance positions RLUSD as a compliant settlement asset in one of the Middle East's most tightly regulated crypto jurisdictions, expanding its utility for cross-border payments and capital markets. Jack McDonald, Ripple's senior vice president of stablecoins, noted that RLUSD's $1.2 billion market cap and adherence to reserve rules make it a trusted tool for institutions.

Ripple's regulatory wins highlight its broader strategy to integrate digital assets into traditional finance. The company has also pursued expansion in Bahrain and Africa, with partnerships like Zand Bank and Absa Bank demonstrating its growing influence in emerging markets. However, XRP's price remains under pressure, having fallen 7.6% in 24 hours amid broader crypto market volatility. Despite this, institutional adoption of Ripple's solutions continues to rise, with RLUSD and XRP gaining traction in regulated environments.