Ripple has unveiled plans to acquire BC Payments Australia Pty Ltd in a move designed to secure an Australian Financial Services license (AFSL), a regulatory step that would allow the company to expand its payments infrastructure in one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most important financial markets.
The proposed acquisition remains subject to completion formalities, but if finalized, it would enable Ripple to operate its full payments stack in Australia through a single integration. This includes onboarding, compliance processes, funding, foreign exchange, liquidity management, and final payouts for businesses moving money across borders.
The strategy reflects a growing trend among global fintech and crypto firms seeking faster regulatory entry into key markets by purchasing companies that already hold the required licenses instead of applying from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Ripple plans to acquire BC Payments Australia to obtain an Australian Financial Services license and expand its regulated payments services in the country.
- The license would allow Ripple to provide its full payments infrastructure in Australia, covering onboarding, compliance, foreign exchange, liquidity, and payouts through a single integration.
- Payments activity in the Asia-Pacific region nearly doubled in 2025, highlighting growing demand for Ripple’s cross-border payment solutions.
- Several Australian companies—including Hai Ha Money Transfer, Stables, Caleb & Brown, Flash Payments, and Independent Reserve—already use Ripple’s payments network.
- The expansion comes as Ripple continues to strengthen its regulatory presence globally, holding more than 75 licenses and reporting over $100 billion in processed transaction volume across 60 markets.
Expanding Ripple Payments in Australia
By obtaining the AFSL (Australian Financial Services license) through the acquisition, Ripple aims to strengthen its cross-border payments offering for banks, fintech firms, and enterprise clients operating in Australia. The license would allow the company to directly oversee the entire lifecycle of a transaction—from the moment a customer signs up to the final settlement.
With this structure, Ripple intends to combine traditional banking rails with blockchain-based digital asset infrastructure. The company says this integration can reduce settlement times, improve transaction transparency, and lower risks that often arise when payments pass through multiple intermediaries.
The model also simplifies the process for customers. Instead of coordinating with several partners or managing blockchain operations independently, companies can access Ripple’s network through a single technical integration.
Direct oversight of settlement and access to local payout networks are expected to help the firm route transactions more efficiently, particularly for cross-border transfers between Australia and other global markets.
Australia Seen as Strategic Market
Ripple executives view Australia as a critical hub for regional expansion, especially as demand for faster international payments continues to grow across Asia-Pacific.
Fiona Murray, Ripple’s managing director for Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of the market while discussing the planned acquisition.
She added that the company intends to maintain close engagement with regulators as digital asset infrastructure continues to mature.
Strong Regional Growth Driving the Move
Ripple’s decision to deepen its presence in Australia comes amid rapid growth in its Asia-Pacific payments business. According to the company, payments volume in the region nearly doubled year-over-year in 2025.
While specific regional transaction figures were not disclosed, the broader network has already surpassed major milestones. Ripple recently reported that its payments infrastructure has processed more than $100 billion in transactions across 60 global markets.
The company has also expanded its service offerings, adding features such as managed digital asset custody, virtual account collections, and stablecoin settlement capabilities. These tools are designed to support financial institutions seeking faster and more cost-effective cross-border transfers.
Australia already hosts several Ripple Payments clients. Companies currently using the network include Hai Ha Money Transfer, Stables, Caleb & Brown, Flash Payments, Novatti Group, and Independent Reserve.
Regulatory Strategy Through Acquisition
Ripple is pursuing a faster path by acquiring a company that already holds the AFSL license, instead of applying directly for it—a process that can take considerable time.
This method allows firms to enter regulated markets more quickly, provided the acquisition receives regulatory approval and successfully closes. However, the license transfer will only take effect if the deal is completed.
Such strategies are increasingly common among digital asset firms navigating complex financial regulations around the world. For companies operating global payment networks, securing local licenses is often essential for providing services such as foreign exchange, remittance processing, and settlement infrastructure.
Australia has become an attractive destination for this approach thanks to its structured regulatory framework and its active remittance corridors across Asia and the Pacific.
Collaboration with Australia’s Digital Asset Initiatives
Ripple’s expansion plans also coincide with its participation in Project Acacia, a research initiative led by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre.
The program focuses on exploring digital asset infrastructure and the potential role of blockchain technology within financial systems. Ripple’s involvement signals its interest in contributing to the development of regulated digital finance tools within the country.
By aligning itself with both regulatory bodies and innovation initiatives, the company appears to be positioning its payments network as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.
Global Licensing Momentum
Ripple’s regulatory push in Australia follows other recent approvals around the world. The company recently obtained full Electronic Money Institution authorization from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, strengthening its footprint in the European market.
In total, Ripple says it now holds more than 75 regulatory licenses globally, highlighting its focus on compliance as it expands its cross-border payments network.
The company’s growth trajectory has also attracted significant investor interest. In November, Ripple reportedly raised $500 million in funding at a valuation of $40 billion, reflecting continued confidence in its payment infrastructure and digital asset strategy.
Market Reaction
Meanwhile, the digital asset associated with Ripple’s ecosystem, XRP, was trading at around $1.38, recording modest gains both on the day and over the past week.
While the price movement was relatively small, the regulatory developments in Australia and ongoing global licensing efforts may play a role in shaping long-term sentiment around the company’s network and payment services.
If the acquisition of BC Payments Australia proceeds as planned, Ripple would gain a stronger foothold in one of the Asia-Pacific region’s key financial markets, reinforcing its broader ambition to modernize cross-border payments through regulated digital asset infrastructure.
