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Ripple to Acquire BC Payments Australia for Financial License Expansion

institutional · 2026-03-15

Blockchain payments company Ripple has announced plans to acquire BC Payments Australia Pty Ltd, a move that will provide Ripple with an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). The acquisition, expected to close on April 1 subject to regulatory approvals, represents part of Ripple's strategy to expand its regulated global payments infrastructure. This development allows Ripple to operate more directly in Australia's financial ecosystem, enhancing its cross-border payment services that integrate blockchain technology with traditional banking systems. The company currently holds over 75 licenses worldwide, with recent approvals in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Australia is emerging as a significant market for digital assets, with regulatory frameworks currently under legislative review.

Key facts

  • Ripple plans to acquire BC Payments Australia to obtain an Australian Financial Services License
  • The acquisition is expected to close on April 1, 2026, pending regulatory approvals
  • Ripple currently holds more than 75 licenses and regulatory registrations globally
  • Australia is developing clearer regulations for digital assets through pending legislation
  • The move supports Ripple's strategy of combining blockchain technology with traditional financial systems

Entities

Institutions

  • Ripple
  • BC Payments Australia
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • European Banking Circle Group

Locations

  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Asia-Pacific region

Sources