Tag: RLUSD

  • Ripple Backs ZILO and Licuido to Advance Tokenized Fund Infrastructure on XRP Ledger

    Ripple Backs ZILO and Licuido to Advance Tokenized Fund Infrastructure on XRP Ledger

    Ripple has made strategic investments in ZILO and Licuido, two UK-based firms, to accelerate its tokenized capital markets strategy. The deals aim to strengthen regulated fund issuance, settlement, trading, custody, and collateral mobility on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ripple’s institutional infrastructure.

    Ripple Expands Regulated Fund Infrastructure

    ZILO specializes in transfer agency and fund administration systems for asset managers, wealth firms, and custodians. Its technology creates regulated digital ownership records for investors holding tokenized fund shares. The company recently announced raising $58.7 million in total equity funding. Ripple expects ZILO’s systems to support the creation and management of tokenized share classes on XRPL.

    Licuido operates an investment platform regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It facilitates the issuance, distribution, trading, and collateral use of traditional financial assets in digital form. Together, the two companies cover the full lifecycle of a tokenized fund, including investor recordkeeping, issuance, distribution, liquidity, settlement, and collateral movement.

    Nigel Khakoo, Ripple’s senior vice president for trading and markets, highlighted the importance of these investments: “ZILO and Licuido provide core capabilities that are essential to further scaling this shift: regulated digital transfer agency infrastructure and liquidity for issuance and collateral mobility.” He added, “This is just the beginning of the journey, and we see a substantial opportunity to bring huge efficiencies to the investment sector over the next decade.”

    Tokenized Funds Move Toward XRPL

    Ripple plans to integrate both companies’ services with its broader institutional infrastructure. This integration would allow financial firms to issue assets, hold them in custody, transfer ownership, and use them as collateral seamlessly. The model aims to reduce idle collateral in traditional fund structures, where newly issued fund units often face delays before becoming available for trading or financing.

    Ripple wants tokenized funds to be usable immediately upon issuance, connecting fund administration records with trading, custody, payments, and collateral systems through XRPL. This follows Ripple’s partnership with Aviva Investors, which announced plans in February to develop tokenized fund structures on XRPL. The ledger provides built-in tools for asset issuance, trading, escrow, and regulated financial activity.

    Additionally, Ripple recently launched Ripple Mint, a platform for institutional asset issuance and management. It supports the creation, redemption, and administration of tokenized securities, stablecoins, fund units, bonds, and other assets.

    RLUSD Supports Onchain Settlement

    RLUSD, Ripple’s stablecoin, is expected to serve as the cash side of transactions involving tokenized assets. Ripple plans to use RLUSD for delivery-versus-payment settlement, where the asset and payment transfer simultaneously. This reduces settlement risk, which occurs when one side of a transaction completes before the other. RLUSD already supports liquidity and settlement services for several tokenized investment products.

    XRP Price Remains Under Pressure

    Despite these positive developments, XRP’s near-term price action remains weak. XRP traded near $1.06 after falling 1.05% over 24 hours. The token has broken below a late-July symmetrical triangle and trades under key moving averages. The 50-day exponential moving average near $1.09 now acts as immediate resistance. Key support sits between $1.05 and $1.06; a break below that could bring the psychological $1.00 level into play, while a move above $1.09 may ease selling pressure.

    The broader regulatory environment also remains uncertain. The US Senate faces limited time to advance the CLARITY Act before its August recess, while lawmakers continue debating market structure, ethics, stablecoin, and consumer protection rules.

  • XRP Price Forecast August 2026: Ripple’s Outlook Amid Weak ETF Inflows and Key Support Levels

    XRP Price Forecast August 2026: Ripple’s Outlook Amid Weak ETF Inflows and Key Support Levels

    XRP enters August 2026 near $1.05 after a sharp correction from its yearly peak of $3.66. Weak ETF inflows have dampened institutional buying momentum, but Ripple’s ecosystem growth and strong support levels keep hopes alive for a potential recovery. Here’s a detailed analysis of what lies ahead for the digital asset.

    Key Takeaways

    • XRP trades near a critical support zone around $0.95–$1.00.
    • Weak ETF inflows have reduced institutional buying momentum.
    • A move above $1.45 could improve the long-term technical outlook.

    Current Market Picture

    XRP enters August 2026 at an important stage after a steep decline from its yearly peak. The digital asset trades near $1.05, far below the recent high of $3.66, which marked one of the strongest rallies in the current market cycle. Buyers now face an important test as the price sits close to a major support zone that has held in previous market phases.

    Recent market action shows that XRP lost momentum after an impressive rally earlier this year. Selling pressure pushed the token below several key technical levels, while weaker demand from institutional investors added fresh uncertainty. Even with these challenges, XRP still attracts healthy trading activity. Daily trading volume remains close to $1.2–1.3 billion, which shows that interest in the asset has not disappeared.

    ETF Demand Loses Strength

    One of the biggest stories around XRP centers on exchange-traded funds. Earlier in the year, ETF activity helped strengthen investor confidence and supported higher prices. That trend has now slowed.

    Recent reports show that spot XRP ETF inflows account for less than 1% of XRP’s daily spot trading volume. This figure highlights a noticeable drop in fresh institutional demand. Large investors no longer provide the same level of support that helped fuel the earlier rally.

    A slower pace of ETF investment places greater focus on activity from retail traders and the broader crypto market. Price action now depends more heavily on overall sentiment, Bitcoin’s direction, and fresh developments across the Ripple ecosystem. This shift creates a more balanced market where buyers and sellers compete without strong institutional influence.

    Ripple Ecosystem Continues to Expand

    While ETF demand weakens, Ripple still reports positive progress across its business ecosystem. These developments offer support for the long-term outlook even though they have not produced an immediate price recovery.

    Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin continues to gain attention across global markets. One notable milestone arrived with the listing of RLUSD on Upbit, South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. South Korea remains one of the strongest markets for XRP, so this listing could strengthen visibility for Ripple products and attract additional interest over time.

    These business developments show that Ripple continues to build its network despite recent price weakness. Investors often view steady ecosystem growth as an important sign that long-term value remains intact.

    Technical Picture Shows Mixed Signals

    The monthly XRP chart presents a cautious outlook. Price currently trades above an important support area near $0.95, which has acted as a strong floor during previous market cycles. This zone now serves as one of the most important levels for August.

    Technical resistance starts near $1.20, while stronger barriers appear around $1.45, $1.95, and $2.40. A monthly close above $1.45 would improve the long-term chart and signal that buyers have started to regain control. Until that happens, sellers still hold the advantage.

    Momentum indicators also reflect the recent weakness. The monthly Relative Strength Index, or RSI, stands near 41. This reading shows that momentum has cooled sharply after the earlier rally. At the same time, the indicator does not signal an extremely oversold market, which leaves room for either a rebound or another decline.

    Can XRP Hold Above the $1 Level?

    The significance of the $1 mark has both technical and psychological impact. Traders usually pay close attention to whole numbers, while XRP is trading slightly above it. Furthermore, historical price movements indicate that there was a lot of trading taking place in this region, therefore leading to backing by buyers.

    There are several factors supporting the notion that stability is possible. Ripple is constantly developing its ecosystem and the trading volume is considered healthy, in addition to the overall cryptocurrency market being in a much better position than before.

    On the other hand, the lower demand for ETFs and the current trends do not offer smooth sailing either. XRP is still trading beneath some important moving averages, and the last rallies have not resulted in higher highs, again pointing toward the fact that the buyers need stronger momentum before the recovery may start.

    August Price Outlook

    The most likely outcome for August points toward a period of consolidation rather than another major rally or a sharp collapse. Market conditions support a trading range between $0.95 and $1.20, while investors wait for stronger catalysts.

    A bullish scenario could develop if Bitcoin stabilizes, institutional demand improves, or Ripple announces major business updates. Under those conditions, XRP could move toward the $1.20 to $1.45 range. A monthly close above $1.45 would strengthen confidence in a larger recovery and could open the path toward $2.00 and higher.

    A bearish scenario remains possible if selling pressure returns across the cryptocurrency market. A break below $0.95 could expose XRP to another decline, with prices near $0.80 to $0.90 as the next important support area.

    Why This Matters

    XRP remains one of the largest cryptocurrencies, so its price movement often reflects broader market confidence. August 2026 could shape investor sentiment for the months ahead as weak ETF flows test demand. Ripple’s business progress and key technical levels may determine whether XRP starts a recovery or faces another significant decline.

    Final Outlook

    XRP enters August 2026 with both opportunities and challenges. Weak ETF flows have reduced one important source of buying support, yet Ripple continues to strengthen its business ecosystem through projects such as RLUSD and new exchange listings. Technical indicators still favor caution, although the price holds above a major long-term support level.

    The market now watches the $0.95 to $1.00 zone closely. A successful defense of this area could create the foundation for a gradual recovery. A move above $1.45 would improve the long-term technical outlook and attract fresh optimism. Until either event takes place, XRP will likely trade inside a relatively narrow range while investors wait for the next major catalyst.

    FAQs

    1. What is the XRP price forecast for August 2026? The most likely range sits between $0.95 and $1.20, with $1.45 acting as a major breakout level.
    2. Why have weak ETF flows affected XRP? Lower ETF inflows have reduced institutional demand, which has slowed buying momentum.
    3. Can XRP remain above $1? Yes, strong historical support near $1 and healthy trading activity could help defend this level.
    4. What positive developments support XRP? Ripple continues to expand its ecosystem, including wider adoption of RLUSD and new exchange listings.
    5. What levels should traders watch in August 2026? Support lies at $0.95 and $1.00, while resistance stands at $1.20, $1.45, $1.95, and $2.40.
  • XRP Price Stabilizes Near $1.08 as CLARITY Act Progress and Ripple’s European Expansion Drive Optimism

    XRP Price Stabilizes Near $1.08 as CLARITY Act Progress and Ripple’s European Expansion Drive Optimism

    XRP traded near $1.08 on July 13, 2026, as investors weighed improving long-term developments against continued uncertainty across the wider cryptocurrency market. The digital asset remained within a trading range of $1.00 to $1.13 while traders awaited fresh catalysts that could shape the next price move.

    At the same time, regulatory progress, Ripple’s expanding institutional presence, and growing XRP Ledger adoption supported the long-term outlook, although macroeconomic concerns continued to limit stronger market momentum. As a result, many participants maintained a cautious approach while monitoring upcoming regulatory and market events.

    CLARITY Act and European Approval Draw Market Attention

    The proposed CLARITY Act remains one of the most closely watched developments for XRP. The legislation aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. It previously cleared the Senate Banking Committee and was expected to reach the full Senate in July.

    The latest update indicates that the full Senate vote is now scheduled for August. According to the available information, the legislation could classify XRP as a digital commodity across most markets if lawmakers approve the measure.

    Although the delayed vote slowed immediate market expectations, many analysts continue to identify the legislation as a major long-term event for XRP. Meanwhile, investors continue tracking its progress as they assess future regulatory clarity. Could regulatory certainty become the catalyst that shifts XRP out of its current trading range?

    Besides developments in the United States, Ripple secured full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization in Luxembourg. Consequently, the company can now operate within a regulated framework across member countries of the European Economic Area.

    Institutional Activity Supports XRP Ledger Growth

    Institutional participation continues to support XRP alongside expanding utility across the XRP Ledger ecosystem. The network increasingly serves payment services, liquidity management, and institutional transactions.

    At the same time, tokenization of real-world assets has become one of the fastest-growing applications on XRPL. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin also supports settlements across the ecosystem while providing additional liquidity for enterprise digital asset payments.

    Furthermore, Ripple continues expanding its on-demand liquidity services throughout Asia, Latin America, and other regions. These services allow banks and payment providers to settle cross-border transactions without maintaining pre-funded accounts.

    Ripple Prime, together with custody and treasury management services, also continues to add institutional clients. During the past month, spot XRP ETFs recorded inflows between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, although weekly inflows and outflows continued as investors responded to changing market conditions. Large wallets also continued accumulating XRP during market pullbacks. Even so, the available information indicates that prices may remain restrained without stronger bullish sentiment.

    Macro Conditions Continue to Shape Market Direction

    XRP continues moving alongside broader cryptocurrency market conditions. The token also remains closely correlated with Bitcoin, linking its short-term performance to overall digital asset sentiment. Meanwhile, expectations that U.S. interest rates could remain higher for longer continue supporting the U.S. dollar while reducing demand for higher-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

    Elsewhere, the reported agreement reached during U.S. and Iran talks may reduce geopolitical uncertainty and broader market volatility. Even so, the information suggests that any direct benefit for crypto assets could remain limited.

    Looking ahead, market participants continue monitoring several developments, including progress on the CLARITY Act, institutional positioning through spot XRP ETFs, growth in RLUSD adoption, rising XRPL transaction activity, Ripple’s European expansion following MiCA implementation, and future comments from the U.S. Federal Reserve regarding monetary policy.

    What’s Next?

    XRP price remained near $1.08 as investors balanced regulatory progress, Ripple’s European expansion, and growing XRP Ledger adoption against broader macroeconomic uncertainty. Market participants continue watching the CLARITY Act, Spot XRP ETFs, RLUSD growth, and Federal Reserve policy for the next major catalyst.

  • XRP Climbs to $1.11 as Ripple Boosts RLUSD Minting on XRP Ledger

    XRP Climbs to $1.11 as Ripple Boosts RLUSD Minting on XRP Ledger

    XRP rose 1.33% to trade near $1.11 within 24 hours, outperforming Bitcoin’s 0.61% increase and the broader crypto market’s 0.97% rise. The token maintained a 9.37% weekly gain, though declining trading volume indicated limited buying pressure.

    Market data points to a broad crypto recovery as the primary driver of XRP’s move. The token tracked the wider market but posted stronger gains. No clear token-specific catalyst appeared in the price data, while trading volume fell 16.26%. Traders are monitoring whether XRP can sustain support between $1.05 and $1.10 and test resistance near $1.15.

    XRP Outpaces Bitcoin as Volume Falls

    XRP’s daily gain placed it ahead of Bitcoin and the crypto market. The relative strength suggests selective demand, although the move still followed the wider market direction. The Altcoin Season Index also dropped to 46, indicating that capital has not strongly shifted into altcoins.

    The lower trading volume limits confirmation of the advance. A daily close above $1.12 could support a move toward $1.15, while a drop below $1.08 may signal weaker momentum. Bitcoin’s next move will also be critical, as a broad market decline could pressure XRP without a new coin-specific event.

    Ripple Expands RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger

    Ripple increased RLUSD minting across the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum, issuing a total of $291.6 million. Approximately $225.8 million, or 77%, was minted on XRPL, while Ethereum accounted for about $65.8 million.

    On July 1, Ripple minted roughly $169.8 million and burned $150,000, with nearly all issuance on XRPL. On July 2, the company minted $121.8 million and burned $68.1 million across both networks. After the two-day activity, XRPL recorded a net supply increase of $167.7 million, while Ethereum added about $55.75 million.

    The latest issuance followed a large XRPL burn at the end of June. Ripple burned about $146.3 million on June 30, producing a net supply drop of $136.1 million that day. Part of the July minting therefore replaced supply removed earlier rather than creating entirely new growth.

    RLUSD’s total supply now stands near $1.634 billion. XRPL holds about $844.5 million, or 51.7%, while Ethereum holds approximately $789.83 million, or 48.3%. The figures show a near-even split, with recent minting activity leaning toward XRPL.

    Santiment Flags Deep XRP Holder Losses

    Santiment reported that XRP’s 30-day market value-to-realized value (MVRV) ratio fell to its weakest level since December 2020. The data shows the average active trader down about 47%, placing many recent buyers in a deep loss position.

    The analytics firm said ‘fear and frustration’ had reached rare levels that previously appeared before rebounds. Still, Santiment added that ‘weak MVRV readings alone do not guarantee a reversal.’ The statement frames the data as a possible relief-rally setup, not confirmation of a durable recovery.

    Social sentiment has also turned more negative, with bullish and bearish commentary moving closer to balance. Such readings can reduce selling pressure when many holders already sit at a loss. However, XRP still needs stronger volume, stable Bitcoin trading and fresh market demand to confirm any wider rebound.

    Some market watchers are tracking a possible move toward $1.40 if XRP holds support and buying interest improves. The key levels sit near $1.05 on the downside and $1.15 on the upside, while a daily close above $1.12 could provide the first technical sign of stronger momentum.

  • XRP Network Activity Surges 70% as Investors Accumulate During Price Dip

    XRP Network Activity Surges 70% as Investors Accumulate During Price Dip

    XRP is showing fresh signs of strength even as its market price remains under pressure. Recent blockchain data reveals a sharp increase in network activity over the past few weeks, suggesting sustained investor confidence and continued accumulation at lower price levels.

    Daily Active Addresses Jump More Than 70%

    On-chain data shows active wallet addresses surged by over 70% in a short period, rising from approximately 23,000 to nearly 39,500 active addresses by the end of June. This increase indicates higher use of the network for transfers, payments, and other blockchain activity, signaling healthy demand despite falling prices.

    Transaction Volume Continues to Rise

    Daily transactions on the XRP Ledger now stand close to 2.7 million, building on earlier growth reported by Messari, which showed a 35.3% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q1 2026. High transaction volume reflects strong network demand, even as XRP price struggles.

    Investors Start Buying During Market Dip

    The price drop has created buying opportunities for traders. Market data shows strong dip-buying behavior, with investors purchasing tokens during weakness. Meanwhile, open interest in XRP derivatives has dropped sharply, reducing leveraged positions and creating a healthier market structure with lower liquidation risks.

    Ripple Ecosystem Expands Through RLUSD Growth

    Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD has reached a market capitalization of around $340 million, boosting overall activity within the XRP Ledger ecosystem. Additionally, tokenized real-world assets on the network have surpassed $461 million in total value, indicating rising institutional interest.

    Whale Activity Creates Mixed Market Signals

    Despite strong network data, some analysts note mixed signals from large XRP holders. Active addresses rose roughly 36% over two weeks, but some whales moved substantial tokens to exchanges, suggesting possible selling activity. Analysts remain cautious even as network numbers improve.

    Market Confidence Remains Strong

    The divergence between XRP price and blockchain activity is unusual. While price hovers near the $1 support level, network usage continues to rise across wallet activity, transaction volumes, and ecosystem growth. This decoupling suggests institutional network utility is distancing from speculative market panic.

    XRP Could Prepare for Bigger Move Ahead

    Many analysts believe XRP may be gearing up for a major move. A break above the $1.10 resistance zone could trigger fresh bullish momentum. Key signals include 70%+ growth in active addresses, 2.7 million daily transactions, $340 million RLUSD market cap, and over $461 million in tokenized assets.

    FAQs

    Why has XRP network activity increased recently?

    Network activity surged as investors and institutions accumulate tokens at lower prices, utilizing the XRP Ledger for cross-border transactions and decentralized infrastructure despite the price slump.

    How much did XRP active addresses grow?

    Daily active addresses skyrocketed by over 70%, expanding from about 23,000 to nearly 39,500 wallets.

    How many transactions does the XRP Ledger process daily?

    The network sustains approximately 2.7 million transactions per day, building on 35.3% quarter-over-quarter growth reported by Messari.

    What is RLUSD and why is it important?

    RLUSD is Ripple’s native dollar-pegged stablecoin with a $340 million market cap, driving utility and liquidity into the XRP Ledger ecosystem.

    Can the XRP price recover soon?

    While whale transfers to exchanges warrant caution, the divergence between soaring on-chain usage and depressed prices suggests a strong accumulation floor. Breaking past $1.10 resistance could ignite an aggressive recovery.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and may result in loss of capital. Always conduct your own research before investing.

  • XRP Defends $1 Support as ETF Inflows and Network Activity Surge

    XRP Defends $1 Support as ETF Inflows and Network Activity Surge

    XRP remained near $1 after losing 1.05% during the latest session, while lower leverage and stronger network activity helped buyers defend support. The token fell from $1.0476 to $1.0366, then recovered after testing levels near $1.02. Traders now focus on whether the $1 base can support a move toward $1.08-$1.10.

    Leverage Reset Changes XRP’s Short-Term Setup

    Open interest dropped from a $1.3 billion peak to below $150 million, removing much of the leveraged positioning created during earlier rallies. Funding rates also turned negative as traders reduced long exposure. At the same time, long liquidations surged 832% above their three-month average. One candle cleared $6.7 million from leveraged positions, showing the scale of the recent market reset. Even so, XRP continued to hold above the $1 psychological level. The token traded between $1.0201 and $1.0476, while buyers repeatedly responded near the lower end of that range.

    Network Activity and RLUSD Trading Expand

    XRP Ledger activity improved during the second half of June. Daily active addresses rose from about 23,000 on June 14 to nearly 39,500 by June 27, marking a 72% increase. Meanwhile, Ripple-backed Evernorth said RLUSD has become a growth engine for XRP Ledger activity rather than a replacement for XRP. Its June 30 report ranked RLUSD among the ledger’s most-traded issued assets. RLUSD’s share of on-chain trading increased from below 1% to about 12% during 2026. The RLUSD/XRP pair also recorded about $900 million in trading volume over six months. Since launch, more than $2.5 billion has traded through RLUSD pairs on the XRP Ledger. The growth developed alongside rising address activity and continued demand for XRP-linked investment products.

    ETF Inflows Rise as Traders Watch Key Levels

    XRP spot ETFs recorded $15.34 million in inflows on June 29. The inflows extended institutional demand even as broader crypto sentiment remained weak. Selling pressure broke support near $1.0350 during the June 30 session before XRP tested $1.0249 and stabilized. Buyers then returned near the lows as trading volume increased sharply. Volume reached 92.73 million XRP at 01:00 UTC, about 134% above the 24-hour average. A later rebound lifted XRP from $1.024 to $1.038. During that rebound, volume rose to 3.88 million XRP as the price moved above resistance near $1.032. The next immediate barrier remains near $1.0460.

    XRP still trades below its major moving averages. The 20-day EMA stands near $1.11, followed by the 50-day near $1.20 and the 100-day near $1.31. The 200-day moving average remains near $1.52. Meanwhile, the 14-day RSI recovered to about 33, although momentum still sits below neutral levels. Bollinger Bands narrowed after June’s selloff, pointing to lower volatility. XRP still needs to reclaim the middle band near $1.12 before the technical structure improves. Immediate support sits between $1.0250 and $1.0350. A daily close below $1 would bring the $0.90-$0.85 area back into focus, while a break above $1.10 would strengthen recovery prospects.

    What’s Next?

    XRP continues to defend the $1 support level as leverage declines, network activity expands, and ETF inflows remain positive. However, the token must reclaim $1.08 to $1.10 to confirm stronger momentum. Traders should monitor the $1 floor closely since a sustained break could expose lower support zones.

  • Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Debuts in Japan: What XRP Holders Need to Know

    Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Debuts in Japan: What XRP Holders Need to Know

    On June 24, 2026, Ripple officially launched its RLUSD stablecoin in Japan after receiving full regulatory approval from the country’s Financial Services Agency. This milestone marks a significant expansion for Ripple beyond its traditional cross-border payment network and into the fast-growing stablecoin market, which now exceeds $300 billion globally.

    RLUSD is a 1:1 US dollar-pegged stablecoin, fully backed by cash reserves, short-term US government bonds, and dollar deposits. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or XRP, RLUSD maintains a stable price, making it ideal for banks, corporations, and financial institutions that require predictable digital payments. Within a short period, RLUSD has reached a market capitalization of approximately $1.59 billion, with an annual growth rate close to 271%.

    Why Japan?

    Japan has long been one of Ripple’s strongest markets, thanks in part to a decade-long partnership with SBI Holdings, one of the country’s largest financial firms. The launch became possible after Japan introduced new regulations allowing foreign stablecoins to enter under strict compliance rules. Japan’s clear legal framework provides a safe and predictable environment for regulated crypto assets, giving Ripple a strategic foothold in Asia.

    Ripple Expands Beyond XRP

    With RLUSD, Ripple is diversifying its business model. Instead of relying solely on XRP for crypto transfers, the company can now offer stablecoin payments, asset settlement, corporate treasury systems, and digital banking services. This does not replace XRP; XRP remains the primary bridge asset for high-speed cross-border currency transfers on Ripple’s payment network. RLUSD provides an alternative for institutions that need zero price volatility.

    What This Means for XRP Investors

    Some investors initially worried that RLUSD might diminish XRP’s role. However, the opposite appears true. By drawing more traditional financial institutions into the Ripple ecosystem, RLUSD increases overall network activity. Higher transaction volume on the XRP Ledger can drive stronger demand for XRP over the long term. The launch positions Ripple to compete directly with major stablecoins like USDT and USDC, while emphasizing regulatory compliance—a key advantage for institutional adoption.

    Competition and Outlook

    The global stablecoin market is dominated by USDT and USDC, but Ripple’s focus on regulatory compliance sets RLUSD apart. Japan’s approval is a strong signal to other markets. With over 50% of Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity volume already coming from Asia, RLUSD could expand into Singapore, South Korea, and other regional hubs, cementing Ripple’s position as a leading blockchain payment company.

    For XRP holders, this development is positive in the long run. RLUSD strengthens Ripple’s overall financial ecosystem, driving broader institutional adoption and network utility. Japan may be just the first step in a global stablecoin expansion that could become a major growth driver for Ripple and XRP.

    FAQs

    1. What is RLUSD?
    RLUSD is Ripple’s 1:1 US dollar-pegged stablecoin, fully backed by cash reserves and short-term US government bonds, designed for banks and institutions needing stable digital payments.

    2. Why did Ripple launch RLUSD in Japan?
    Japan offers clear crypto regulations and a strong partnership with SBI Holdings, enabling a compliant rollout approved by Japan’s Financial Services Agency.

    3. Does RLUSD replace XRP?
    No. RLUSD serves institutions requiring zero volatility, while XRP remains the high-speed bridge asset for cross-border transfers in Ripple’s payment network.

    4. How big is RLUSD right now?
    RLUSD has a market cap of about $1.59 billion with nearly 271% annual growth.

    5. Why does this matter for XRP investors?
    RLUSD attracts more traditional finance into the Ripple ecosystem, increasing network activity and potentially strengthening long-term demand for XRP.

  • Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD has secured approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA), marking the first time a foreign-issued stablecoin has entered the Japanese market under the country’s new regulatory framework. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, has begun distributing RLUSD through its VCTRADE platform to both retail and institutional users.

    Japan Opens New Path for Foreign Stablecoins

    Japan has historically maintained strict rules for foreign stablecoins. RLUSD became the first stablecoin to enter through the newly established Electronic Payment Instrument (EPI) classification under the Payment Services Act (PSA). The approval process focused on regulatory alignment rather than direct acceptance. Ripple had to demonstrate that RLUSD operates under rules in its home jurisdiction that match Japan’s standards for reserve backing and user protection.

    This achievement gives RLUSD an early position in a market that foreign stablecoin issuers have found difficult to access. It also provides an initial test case for Japan’s new regulatory structure, and its performance may shape expectations for future entrants.

    Ripple and SBI Build on a Decade of Cooperation

    Ripple leveraged its long-standing partnership with SBI Group, which dates back to 2016, to establish the launch. Ripple and SBI announced a memorandum of understanding in August 2025, and nearly ten months later, RLUSD became available to users in Japan. The timeline reflected the compliance work required to satisfy regulatory obligations.

    Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, stated that RLUSD will support payments, tokenization, and collateral management while connecting Japanese users to global liquidity. For the initial phase, RLUSD in Japan operates on the Ethereum network rather than the XRP Ledger.

    RLUSD Targets Payments and Institutional Use Cases

    Ripple and SBI have positioned RLUSD as infrastructure for financial services rather than a speculative asset. Business-focused applications include programmable trade settlement, collateral management for settlement and margin activities, and supply chain finance to enable faster, more transparent payments across trade networks.

    Tomohiko Kondo, Chief Executive Officer of SBI VC Trade, described the launch as a major milestone in the companies’ ongoing collaboration and digital finance initiatives.

    Since its initial launch, RLUSD has reached roughly $1.7 billion in market capitalization, with a growth pattern marked by steady increases rather than sharp speculative surges. The Japan rollout now places RLUSD inside one of the most tightly regulated digital asset markets, where its performance will help shape expectations for future foreign stablecoin entrants.

  • RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    Ripple USD (RLUSD) has achieved a significant distribution milestone, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) overtaking Ethereum as the stablecoin’s largest native network. On-chain data shows approximately $801.8 million in RLUSD on XRPL, compared to about $795.6 million on Ethereum, giving Ripple’s blockchain a narrow lead in the $1.6 billion RLUSD market.

    However, the shift is largely attributed to Ethereum token burns rather than a surge in new demand on XRPL. About three-quarters of the RLUSD removed over the past month came from Ethereum through redemptions and burns, making the ‘flippening’ partly a result of treasury operations rather than a clear migration of users or trading activity.

    RLUSD now ranks among the ten largest stablecoins, with daily trading volume reaching approximately $166 million. The stablecoin’s activity on XRPL can involve XRP directly, as users pay transaction fees in XRP and the network can route trades through XRP when direct markets between two assets lack liquidity. This could create additional XRP use across payments, exchange transfers, and decentralized trading, provided users actively move the stablecoin and create active markets.

    Meanwhile, RLUSD has expanded into Japan through SBI VC Trade after receiving regulatory clearance, with Ethereum serving as the initial network for the Japanese rollout. An XRPL Foundation representative noted that Ethereum’s early role was expected and that XRPL-based RLUSD could join the Japanese market later, though no fixed timetable has been confirmed.

    The central question remains whether RLUSD on XRPL will generate sustained trading, payment, and liquidity activity to drive XRP demand, or if the supply shift will remain a technical milestone without lasting external volume.