 
 
Ripple, the blockchain-based payments firm behind XRP, is expanding its regulatory footprint in the EU after securing what it described as a preliminary e-money authorization from Luxembourg’s financial watchdogs.
The preliminary EMI approval in Luxembourg was issued in the form of a “green light letter” from the regulator, marking a key step toward Ripple receiving its full EMI authorization, subject to relevant conditions.
Ripple Receives Preliminary Approval In Luxembourg
In a Wednesday announcement, Ripple revealed that Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), had issued an initial approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license.
Ripple said the decision moves it closer to a full authorization, which would enable the company to provide regulated payment services involving stablecoins and other digital assets across the European Union under passporting rules after satisfying all necessary conditions, using Luxembourg as a base to serve other member states under coordinated rules.
“Gaining our preliminary approval is a pivotal step, enabling Ripple to provide essential digital asset infrastructure to our clients across Europe,” Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s managing director for the UK and Europe, said in a statement.
 
Ripple’s Deepening Commitment to the European Market
Wednesday’s development follows Ripple’s recent authorization in the UK, where the Financial Conduct Authority approved the firm’s Cryptoasset Registration and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license. That approval cleared the way for Ripple to scale its payments platform in the UK as the nation advances plans for a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.
“Thanks to the CSSF’s progressive and sophisticated approach to supervision, Luxembourg is establishing itself as a premier hub for financial innovation by providing the harmonised framework and legal certainty that our industry needs,” Craddock posited, adding that the region’s regulatory approach provides the regulatory clarity needed for the next era of financial innovation.
Ripple is also seeking approval under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The company aims to attain full MiCA compliance by securing a crypto asset service provider (CASP) license in the coming months.