Ripple USD (RLUSD) Expands to Layer 2 Networks, Ushering in a Multichain Stablecoin Future
Ripple is pioneering the multichain crypto landscape by expanding its regulated stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), to key Layer 2 networks using Wormhole’s NTT standard. This move enhances scalability, regulatory compliance, and interoperability, advancing both institutional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems.
Ripple USD (RLUSD) Expands to Layer 2 Networks, Ushering in a Multichain Stablecoin Future
The landscape of cryptocurrency continues to evolve rapidly, and the future is clearly multichain. To serve both the demands of institutional finance and the burgeoning onchain economy, stablecoins must be accessible wherever utility exists. Recognizing this, Ripple is moving decisively to expand the presence of its regulated stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), onto several Layer 2 (L2) blockchains — a pivotal step toward a scalable, compliant, and interoperable crypto environment.
Embracing a Multichain World with RLUSD
Initially launched on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum, RLUSD was designed to unlock cross-chain capabilities and empower DeFi applications. Now, Ripple is advancing this vision by extending RLUSD to prominent L2 networks including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain.
This expansion is enabled through a partnership with Wormhole, a leading multichain interoperability protocol, leveraging its Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard. By integrating NTT, Ripple preserves native issuance of RLUSD while facilitating secure and efficient liquidity movement across divergent ecosystems.
Optimism serves as a critical gateway, connecting RLUSD to a wider family of L2 chains, reducing transaction costs and increasing throughput — key factors for real-world adoption.
“Stablecoins are the gateway to DeFi and institutional adoption, and RLUSD is designed from the ground up to be the trusted, liquid medium necessary for users to seamlessly enter, interact with, and exit the entire digital asset economy,” said Jack McDonald, SVP of Stablecoin at Ripple. “By launching RLUSD—the first US Trust Regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks—we are not just expanding utility; we are setting the definitive standard where compliance and on-chain efficiency converge.”
Leading with Trust and Compliance
What sets RLUSD apart is its foundation built on rigorous regulatory frameworks. Issued under a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Trust Company Charter, RLUSD benefits from bank-level oversight, ensuring transparency and accountability that few other stablecoins can match.
Ripple is also pursuing an Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charter, aiming to secure dual federal and state regulatory approval — a pioneering regulatory posture for any stablecoin.
Beyond the United States, Ripple's stablecoin enjoys licenses in over 75 global jurisdictions, including recent regulatory endorsements in financial hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This comprehensive adherence to compliance standards reinforces RLUSD’s reliability for institutional players and enterprises worldwide.
Enhancing the XRP Ecosystem with RLUSD
Ripple’s strategy intertwines the stablecoin's utility with that of XRP, its native digital asset. The issuance of wrapped XRP (wXRP) by Hex Trust facilitates cross-chain interoperability, enabling XRP holders to use the token alongside RLUSD seamlessly across supported chains.
This synergy opens new avenues for payments, swaps, checkout experiences, and DeFi services, providing everyday users with access to diverse financial instruments like lending, yield generation, and more — all powered by two tightly integrated digital assets.
Looking Ahead: A Stablecoin Ecosystem for the Future
Ripple plans to continue RLUSD’s rollout onto additional chains next year, pending regulatory approvals. This ongoing expansion reflects Ripple’s commitment to fostering a robust, compliant, and truly multichain stablecoin ecosystem that meets the needs of an increasingly digital global economy.
Note: All RLUSD launches on new chains remain subject to thorough testing and approval by the NYDFS.
The integration of RLUSD into Layer 2 networks represents a significant evolution in the stablecoin space — combining speed, cost efficiency, and strong regulatory foundations. Ripple's efforts exemplify the potential of multichain strategies to bridge traditional finance and emerging decentralized technologies, creating an inclusive digital finance future.