Ripple is strengthening its push into institutional crypto payments, arguing that banks want easier access to blockchain technology without having to build complex infrastructure themselves.
Speaking after an appearance on the What the FinTech? podcast, Ripple’s UK and Europe head, Cassie Craddock, said financial institutions increasingly recognize the benefits of digital assets but prefer working with partners that can handle the technical and regulatory burden. According to Craddock, many banks are focused on improving customer services rather than creating their own blockchain payment systems from scratch.
One thing we consistently hear from banks and financial institutions is that while they recognise the benefits of digital asset technology, they require a straightforward way of accessing those benefits.
They’re looking for trusted partners to help them meet a range of needs…
— Cassie Craddock (@CraddockCJ) June 15, 2026
Ripple expands regulated footprint in Europe
The comments come as Ripple continues to expand its regulatory presence across Europe. The company secured an Electronic Money Institution licence and Cryptoasset Registration from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority in January 2026 before obtaining full Electronic Money Institution approval from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, CSSF.
Craddock said these approvals provide a compliant foundation for delivering faster and more transparent cross-border payment services. She noted that financial institutions increasingly seek providers that combine blockchain technology with established regulatory oversight, particularly as compliance requirements become more important across global markets.
The company believes this approach can help banks modernize international payments while reducing operational complexity and maintaining regulatory standards.
Banks are pursuing ready-made crypto solutions
According to Craddock, institutions are looking for partners that can simplify key functions such as custody, liquidity management, settlement and compliance. Rather than developing every component internally, banks want ready-made infrastructure that allows them to adopt digital assets more efficiently.
She added that Ripple’s years of working with major financial institutions have helped position the company as a trusted infrastructure provider for organizations exploring blockchain-based payments.
The discussion also touched on Ripple’s strategy, including stablecoins and the role of its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin within its payment network.
Industry is moving toward regulated digital payments, what are the implications?
Ripple’s strategy shows a movement across the crypto sector, where firms are developing regulated services aimed at financial institutions. Companies are increasingly offering payment and settlement platforms that mask blockchain complexity while meeting compliance expectations.
As banks pursue faster settlement, lower transaction costs and improved cross-border efficiency, demand for regulated crypto infrastructure continues to grow. Ripple recently expanded the availability of its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, in Türkiye through new partnerships with local crypto platforms BiLira, Bitexen and Bitlo.
Additionally, the firm expanded its regulatory footprint with plans to acquire an Australian payments firm. This move will give the crypto company a key financial services license needed to operate more broadly in the country.
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