Ripple Expands RLUSD Stablecoin to Ethereum Layer-2 Networks

Multichain pilot tests RLUSD across Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain ahead of broader rollout.

Ripple has begun testing its US dollar–backed stablecoin RLUSD across multiple Ethereum layer-2 networks, marking a strategic step toward a fully multichain stablecoin infrastructure. The pilot phase signals Ripple’s intent to position RLUSD where onchain demand and scalability continue to grow.

The pilot introduces RLUSD on Optimism Base, Ink, and Unichain, expanding beyond its original issuance on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. The initiative aims to evaluate performance, interoperability and liquidity across high-throughpuut networks designed for real-world financial use. Ripple has emphasized that a multichain future is essential for institutional and onchain finance, particularly as transaction efficiency becomes a priority.

RLUSD will move across blockchains using native token transfers rather than wrapped copies. This approach allows the stablecoin to exist as a single canonical asset on each network, reducing liquidity fragmentation and avoiding synthetic representations that can introduce risk.

RLUSD operates under a state-level trust charter and is seeking additional federal oversight. Since its December 2024 launch, RLUSD has reached a market capitalization of $1.3 billion, gaining adoption through payment platforms and self-custodial wallets. Ripple plans to expand RLUSD to more blockchains next year, subject to final regulatory approval.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.