Ripple Sets RLUSD Stablecoin Launch Date, Making Token Accessible on XRP Ledger and Ethereum

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Ripple is set to launch its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, on December 17, 2025, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into the rapidly growing digital asset infrastructure space. The stablecoin will be available on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains, offering users seamless access across two of the most widely adopted networks in the crypto ecosystem.

This strategic rollout follows Ripple’s receipt of final regulatory approval from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), a critical step that validates RLUSD’s compliance with one of the most stringent financial regulatory frameworks in the world. As a result, RLUSD enters the market not just as another digital dollar, but as a regulated, enterprise-grade stablecoin designed to meet institutional standards.

Broad Availability Across Major Platforms

RLUSD will initially be listed on a select group of trusted exchanges and crypto platforms, including Uphold, MoonPay, Archax, and CoinMENA. In the weeks following launch, additional listings are expected on Bitso, Bullish, Bitstamp, Mercado Bitcoin, Independent Reserve, and Zero Hash—expanding its global reach significantly.

👉 Discover how RLUSD is shaping the future of cross-border payments and digital finance.

Jack McDonald, Senior Vice President of Stablecoins at Ripple and former CEO of Standard Custody & Trust (acquired by Ripple earlier in 2025), emphasized that RLUSD will first roll out in key markets across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, UK, and Middle East. These regions represent high-demand corridors for digital asset liquidity and cross-border transaction efficiency.

However, the stablecoin will not be immediately available in the European Union, as Ripple currently lacks the required authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). The company has stated it is “actively exploring” pathways to compliance and market entry in Europe, signaling long-term ambitions for pan-global adoption.

A Leadership Team Built on Financial Expertise

To reinforce its commitment to regulatory compliance and financial integrity, Ripple has expanded its Stablecoin Advisory Board with two prominent figures from traditional finance:

They join existing board members including Sheila Bair, former FDIC Chair, and Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder and Executive Chairman. This blend of central banking experience and fintech innovation underscores Ripple’s dual focus: building a stablecoin that meets both technological demands and institutional trust standards.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, highlighted the importance of this regulatory-first approach:

“Early on, Ripple made a deliberate choice to launch our stablecoin under the NYDFS limited purpose trust company charter, widely regarded as the premier regulatory standard worldwide. As the U.S. moves toward clearer regulations, we expect to see greater adoption of stablecoins like RLUSD, which offer real utility and are backed by years of trust and expertise in the industry.”

Understanding RLUSD: Design, Backing & Use Cases

RLUSD is a fully reserved stablecoin, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. Its reserves consist of:

This conservative reserve strategy is designed to ensure price stability and transparency—key concerns for both retail users and institutional investors navigating the digital asset landscape.

Unlike algorithmic stablecoins that rely on complex mechanisms to maintain their peg, RLUSD follows a traditional collateral-backed model, similar to industry leaders like USDC and USDT. However, Ripple differentiates RLUSD through its deep integration with the XRP Ledger, known for its speed, low cost, and energy efficiency.

Use cases for RLUSD include:

With increasing demand for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, RLUSD is positioned to serve as a foundational settlement layer for future financial innovation.

Addressing Early Market Volatility Concerns

Despite its design for price stability, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has issued a cautionary note regarding potential short-term volatility during the initial launch phase.

In a recent social media post, Schwartz warned that early demand could outpace supply, leading to temporary price fluctuations. He noted that some traders had expressed willingness to pay as much as $1,200 for a fraction of an RLUSD token—a clear sign of speculative interest.

“There may be supply shortages in the very early days before the market stabilizes,” Schwartz said. “Please don't FOMO into a stablecoin. This is not an opportunity to get rich.”

This message serves as a critical reminder: stablecoins are tools for value transfer, not speculative investments. Ripple aims to educate users on responsible usage while scaling issuance to meet demand.

👉 See how regulated stablecoins like RLUSD are transforming global finance—securely and efficiently.

FAQ: Your Questions About RLUSD Answered

Q: What blockchains support RLUSD?
A: RLUSD is available on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks, enabling fast, low-cost transactions on XRP Ledger and broad DeFi compatibility on Ethereum.

Q: Is RLUSD regulated?
A: Yes. RLUSD operates under a New York State limited-purpose trust charter regulated by the NYDFS—one of the most respected financial regulators globally.

Q: How is RLUSD different from USDT or USDC?
A: While all three are dollar-backed stablecoins, RLUSD leverages Ripple’s enterprise network and XRP Ledger integration, offering optimized performance for cross-border payments and institutional use.

Q: Can I use RLUSD in Europe?
A: Not initially. Due to MiCAR compliance requirements, RLUSD is not available in the EU at launch. Ripple is actively working toward future market access.

Q: Is my money safe with RLUSD?
A: Yes. RLUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar reserves held in safe assets like cash and Treasury bonds. Regular attestations will be published to ensure transparency.

Q: Why did Ripple create its own stablecoin?
A: To provide a compliant, scalable settlement solution for global payments and financial institutions—complementing XRP and expanding Ripple’s role in modernizing cross-border finance.

The Bigger Picture: Stablecoins as Financial Infrastructure

Stablecoins have evolved from niche crypto tools into essential components of the global financial system. With over $160 billion in combined market cap for USDT and USDC alone, they now facilitate everything from peer-to-peer transfers to multi-million-dollar institutional settlements.

Traditional financial players—including PayPal, Visa, and Societe Generale—are entering the space as regulators worldwide establish clearer frameworks. In Canada, USDC has already been recognized as a regulated stablecoin; in Europe, MiCAR sets strict rules for issuance and transparency.

Ripple’s entry with RLUSD isn’t just about competition—it’s about interoperability, compliance, and scalability. By launching under a trusted regulatory umbrella and integrating with both public blockchains and enterprise systems, Ripple aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized innovation.

👉 Explore next-generation financial tools powered by blockchain—start with RLUSD on OKX.

Final Thoughts

The launch of RLUSD represents more than a new token—it signals Ripple’s continued evolution from an XRP-focused payments company into a full-stack financial infrastructure provider. With strong regulatory backing, elite advisory leadership, and multi-chain availability, RLUSD is poised to become a key player in the next phase of digital finance.

As stablecoins increasingly serve as the backbone of cross-border transactions and DeFi ecosystems, RLUSD offers a compelling combination of trust, efficiency, and global accessibility—built for today’s financial challenges and tomorrow’s innovations.

For developers, institutions, and everyday users alike, RLUSD opens new doors in the journey toward faster, fairer, and more inclusive finance—powered by blockchain and guided by compliance.