Ripple RLUSD Stablecoin Launch: Timing, Exchanges, and Details

Key Takeaways

• Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin goes live today.
• RLUSD will debut on five major crypto exchanges, with plans to expand to more platforms in the coming weeks.
• Ripple commits to monthly independent audits to ensure transparency of RLUSD’s reserves.

Ripple will officially launch  its enterprise-grade stablecoin, RLUSD, on Dec. 17.

The new stablecoin, pegged 1:1 against the U.S. dollar, is natively issued on both the Ethereum and XRP Ledger blockchains. Backed by a reserve of cash and cash equivalents, RLUSD promises real-world utility and heightened transparency.

The launch marks a significant step for Ripple as it expands its footprint in the evolving stablecoin market, challenging major incumbents like Tether and Circle.

Ripple has emphasized RLUSD’s compliance-first approach, promising rigorous monthly audits by independent third-party firms to verify its reserve holdings.

Initial Rollout and Plans for Expansion

At launch, RLUSD will be available on five prominent crypto platforms: Uphold, Bitso, MoonPay, Archax, and CoinMENA.

Ripple plans to extend RLUSD’s availability in the coming weeks to other major exchanges, including Bullish, Bitstamp, Mercado Bitcoin, Independent Reserve, and Zero Hash.

Ripple has been testing RLUSD on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchain since August. 

The stablecoin cleared its final regulatory hurdle last week after securing approval from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

CEO Brad Garlinghouse explained Ripple’s strategic decision to seek NYDFS approval, calling it a move toward building global trust:

“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.”

This focus on compliance is crucial in a market where stablecoins remain essential for crypto liquidity but have faced scrutiny, particularly over reserve transparency.

Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer with over $140 billion in circulation, has periodically come under fire for its reserve disclosures.

Integrating RLUSD Into Ripple Payments

Looking ahead, Ripple plans to integrate RLUSD into its Ripple Payments network by early 2025.

The company envisions RLUSD playing a central role in enabling efficient, low-cost cross-border transactions, particularly within the XRP Ledger.

This move could open new business opportunities for Ripple, which has struggled to maintain its market share in recent years.

By combining regulatory compliance, enterprise-grade infrastructure, and proven blockchain technology, Ripple aims to redefine the role of stablecoins in global finance.

Rebuilding Ripple’s Presence in the U.S.

Ripple’s RLUSD launch comes after years of regulatory headwinds in the United States.

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) December 2020 lawsuit against Ripple severely limited its domestic opportunities, prompting multiple exchanges to delist XRP.

Now, with a favorable court ruling and renewed regulatory clarity, Ripple appears poised for a comeback.

XRP has been re-listed on several U.S. platforms, and the NYDFS’s green light for RLUSD adds a new layer of legitimacy to Ripple’s operations.

The company’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its reputation in the U.S. are underscored by its significant investments in pro-crypto lobbying and political campaigns.