Ripple’s regulated stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), is poised for a major leap beyond its native networks. The company announced it is expanding the $1.3 billion stablecoin to several prominent Ethereum Layer 2 networks, initiating a test phase on Optimism, Coinbase’s Base, Kraken’s Ink, and Uniswap’s Unichain ahead of a planned wider rollout in 2026. This strategic move, facilitated by a partnership with the interoperability platform Wormhole, is designed to place trusted, institutionally compliant liquidity directly into the high-speed ecosystems where decentralized finance (DeFi) activity is concentrated.
The Technical Bridge: Native Transfer Without Compromise
Central to this expansion is Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard, a technology that enables a “true multichain strategy”. Unlike traditional methods that rely on wrapped or synthetic asset versions, NTT allows RLUSD to move natively across different blockchains. This means the token retains its original properties and Ripple maintains direct control over its issuance on every chain it inhabits. This approach preserves the stablecoin’s regulatory integrity while providing the security and flexibility needed for seamless on-chain liquidity movement. By eliminating the need for intermediary liquidity pools, it also reduces associated fees and slippage risks for users.
A Dual-Layer Regulatory Edge in a Crowded Market
RLUSD is entering this new multichain arena with a significant regulatory advantage. It is already issued under a stringent New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Trust Company Charter. Recently, this foundation was bolstered by a conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for Ripple to operate a national trust bank. Once finalized, this would make RLUSD the first stablecoin to operate under both state and federal regulatory oversight, a dual-layer structure that sets a new benchmark for compliance. Ripple’s global regulatory footprint, including recognition in hubs like Abu Dhabi, further reinforces its appeal to institutions.
Forging a Symbiotic Future for XRP and RLUSD
This expansion is intricately linked to enhancing the utility of Ripple’s ecosystem, particularly its XRP token. The company states it prioritizes issuing RLUSD wherever there is demand for XRP, aiming to strengthen both assets. The simultaneous issuance of a wrapped version of XRP (wXRP) on various chains by partners like Hex Trust is a key part of this plan. It will enable XRP and RLUSD to function as a premier liquidity pair across supported networks, creating new opportunities for trading, lending, and payments within a single, efficient ecosystem.
Institutional Adoption and the Road Ahead
The strategic vision is already translating into real-world use. Shortly before this announcement, Swiss-regulated AMINA Bank became the first European bank to adopt Ripple Payments, using the infrastructure to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions with RLUSD and other stablecoins for its clients. This partnership underscores the growing demand from financial institutions for regulated crypto payment rails.
Ripple’s push onto Layer 2 networks represents more than just a technical expansion; it is a deliberate effort to set a new standard where institutional-grade compliance meets the efficiency of decentralized networks. The final step is regulatory sign-off from the NYDFS for the full public launch next year. If successful, RLUSD will be uniquely positioned as a trusted, liquid bridge connecting traditional finance with the burgeoning on-chain economy.
