Ripple Secures Australian License to Expand XRP Payments Ecosystem

San Francisco, CA – Ripple, the San Francisco-based provider of enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, is making a significant move to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The company announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, its plans to acquire BC Payments Australia, a move designed to secure an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and facilitate broader adoption of its payment solutions within the Australian market. This strategic acquisition underscores Ripple’s ambition to turn into a key player in mainstream payment networks, particularly as cross-border transaction volumes continue to rise.

The acquisition of BC Payments is a pivotal step for Ripple, allowing it to operate a fully regulated payments platform in Australia. Currently, Ripple’s technology facilitates cross-border payments for institutions, leveraging its XRP Ledger and the digital asset XRP. Obtaining an AFSL will enable Ripple to offer a comprehensive suite of services – encompassing onboarding, compliance, funding, foreign exchange, liquidity management, and payout – all through a single, integrated system. This streamlined approach aims to reduce friction and costs associated with international transactions, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Ripple currently serves Australian customers including Hai Ha Money Transfer, Stables, Caleb & Brown, Flash Payments, and Independent Reserve.

Ripple’s APAC Growth and the Australian Market

Ripple’s expansion into Australia comes on the heels of substantial growth in the APAC region. The company reported that payments volume in APAC nearly doubled in 2025 compared to the previous year, contributing to a total processed volume of $100 billion across 60 markets. This growth demonstrates the increasing demand for faster, more efficient, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions, particularly within the dynamic APAC economic landscape. Australia, with its robust financial regulatory framework and growing adoption of digital technologies, presents a particularly attractive market for Ripple’s services. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the total value of Australia’s international trade in goods and services was $638.9 billion in the year ended December 2024, highlighting the significant potential for improved cross-border payment infrastructure. Australian Bureau of Statistics

Fiona Murray, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Ripple, emphasized the importance of the Australian market, stating, “Australia is a key market for Ripple, and an AFSL strengthens our ability to scale Ripple Payments across the region.” This sentiment reflects Ripple’s broader strategy of securing regulatory approvals in key jurisdictions to facilitate wider adoption of its technology and establish itself as a trusted partner for financial institutions globally.

Project Acacia and the Future of Digital Assets in Australia

Beyond the AFSL acquisition, Ripple is also actively participating in Project Acacia, a digital-asset infrastructure initiative led by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). CoinDesk reports that this collaboration positions Ripple at the forefront of exploring the potential of digital assets within Australia’s financial ecosystem. Project Acacia aims to develop a framework for issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and explore the apply of distributed ledger technology (DLT) for various financial applications. Ripple’s involvement in this project signals its commitment to working with regulators and industry stakeholders to shape the future of finance in Australia.

The RBA initiated Project Acacia in 2025 to investigate the potential benefits and risks of a CBDC. The project is exploring various use cases for a digital Australian dollar, including improving payment efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing financial inclusion. Ripple’s expertise in blockchain technology and cross-border payments is expected to contribute valuable insights to the project’s development. The RBA has not yet announced a timeline for the potential issuance of a CBDC, but Project Acacia represents a significant step towards exploring the possibilities of digital currency in Australia.

The AUDD Stablecoin and Institutional Adoption

A potentially significant development linked to Ripple’s expansion is the authorization of AUDC Pty Ltd’s AUDD stablecoin as a regulated payment instrument on the XRP Ledger. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) granted AUDD AFSL No. 700123, allowing it to operate as a non-cash payment facility. 247 Wall St. highlights that this differs from previous Ripple partnerships, as AUDD transacts directly on the blockchain. This direct on-chain functionality could be a key factor in attracting institutional investors and driving broader adoption of XRP. AUDD is backed 1:1 by Australian dollars held in segregated trust accounts at tier-one Australian banks, ensuring its stability and reliability.

Prior to receiving the AFSL, the use of AUDD by financial institutions was hampered by regulatory uncertainty. The authorization from ASIC provides clarity and confidence, enabling banks and businesses to utilize AUDD for on-chain payments within a clear legal framework. AUDD has already processed over $1.4 billion in transaction volume on the Stellar network, and its expansion to the XRP Ledger is expected to further accelerate its growth. The stablecoin also participated in pilot programs with the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre, demonstrating its potential for integration into Australia’s payment systems.

Challenges and Opportunities for Ripple in Australia

Despite the positive developments, Ripple faces several challenges in the Australian market. Improving consumer perception of digital assets remains a key hurdle. Research indicates that while 35% of Australian adults view trading digital assets positively, 47% of non-users believe better education is needed. CryptoPotato notes that this lack of understanding could hinder widespread adoption. Cryptocurrency users have historically faced restrictions in banking services, creating friction in the integration of digital assets into the mainstream financial sector. Seamless integration with existing banking infrastructure will be crucial for Ripple’s success.

Competition from other stablecoins vying for market dominance also presents a challenge. Several stablecoins are seeking to establish a foothold in the Australian market, creating a competitive landscape. Ripple will necessitate to differentiate its offerings and demonstrate the unique benefits of its technology to attract customers and partners. However, the potential for blockchain-based infrastructure to improve cross-border payments and global liquidity management offers a significant opportunity for Ripple. Traditional financial networks often face structural weaknesses in these areas, and Ripple’s technology can provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

XRP Price and Market Sentiment

As of March 11, 2026, XRP was trading around $1.38, experiencing modest gains for the day and week. However, as noted by 247 Wall St., previous Ripple partnerships in 2026 have not resulted in sustained increases in the XRP price. The market’s reaction to the AUDD stablecoin and the AFSL acquisition will be closely watched to determine whether these developments can finally translate into positive price momentum for XRP. Investor sentiment remains a key factor influencing the price of XRP, and the successful execution of Ripple’s strategy in Australia will be critical for building confidence and attracting investment.

The acquisition of BC Payments and Ripple’s participation in Project Acacia represent significant steps towards establishing a stronger foothold in the Australian market. The authorization of the AUDD stablecoin further strengthens the ecosystem and provides a clear path for institutional adoption. While challenges remain, Ripple’s commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and secure cross-border payment solutions.

Looking ahead, the completion of the BC Payments acquisition and the full implementation of Ripple’s AFSL will be key milestones to watch. The progress of Project Acacia and the development of a potential CBDC will also shape the future of digital assets in Australia. Ripple’s ability to navigate these developments and address the challenges of consumer perception and competition will determine its long-term success in the region.

What are your thoughts on Ripple’s expansion into Australia? Share your comments below and let us realize how you consider this will impact the future of cross-border payments.