Ripple Receives License to Operate in Singapore

Today, Ripple announced that the Monetary Authority of Singapore has provisionally granted the company’s license application for its Asia-Pacific headquarters located in Singapore. The Singapore-based entity of the Ripple Markets group, Ripple Markets Apac, will be able to provide digital payment token services and products in Singapore as a result of this development. An application has been submitted for a license as a significant payment institution under the Payment Services Act.

Since 2020, the American corporation that established a Singaporean office in 2017 has been exempted from the licensing obligations stipulated by the Act. Over the previous year, the organization has expanded its workforce in this area by almost twofold, now employing nearly 50 individuals. This growth has facilitated the addition of essential roles, including business development, compliance, finance, legal, and sales.

Ripple’s global operations constitute a significant portion of its business, with Singapore emerging as a rapidly expanding market and a key focus area for talent acquisition. According to the company’s report on its “unprecedented business momentum,” around 60% of worldwide payments facilitated by RippleNet in 2022 will utilize on-demand liquidity (ODL).

RippleNet is a decentralized network of banks, financial institutions, and payment providers that operates on a global scale. Ripple’s distributed ledger technology is used for making payments. The company provides a product called ODL to businesses, which uses the cryptocurrency instrument XRP to facilitate immediate cross-border transactions.

According to Ripple’s statement, the On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) volume that traversed through Singapore in 2022 witnessed an annual increase of over five times.

The CEO of the group stated in a press release that Singapore holds a significant position as a global financial hub and a crucial entry point for business in the Asia-Pacific region. The CEO further mentioned that the in-principle approval serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to the region. The cryptocurrency industry is facing increased scrutiny from regulators in the United States, leading numerous businesses to seek diversification opportunities overseas.

Currently, the corporation is involved in a legal dispute with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has leveled allegations against Ripple for non-compliance with securities regulations. The legal ruling on this matter is expected to be announced by the conclusion of September.

According to Mr. Stuart Alderoty, the Chief Legal Officer of Ripple, several countries including Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider European Union have made noteworthy progress in establishing regulations for cryptocurrencies. This includes the development of licensing frameworks and a well-defined taxonomy, which has taken place over the past few years.

It was observed that Singapore was among the pioneers in advocating for the establishment of a well-defined and effective regulatory structure for blockchain technology and digital currencies.

According to Mr. Alderoty, Ripple will continue to allocate time and resources towards countries like Singapore, despite the challenges faced by the United States. Ripple operates in 14 facilities located outside of Singapore, encompassing various locations such as the United States, London, Mumbai, Sydney, Shanghai, and Dubai.