Ripple Labs Inc., the U.S.-based blockchain payments company, has ramped up testing of its upcoming stablecoin, RLUSD, with a significant on-chain minting event. According to data from the Ripple Stablecoin Tracker, nearly 10 million RLUSD tokens were recently minted and transferred across the XRP Ledger, marking a pivotal step in the development of Ripple’s entry into the rapidly expanding stablecoin market.
This latest test—comprising the minting of exactly 9,999,700 RLUSD tokens at XRP Ledger Index 146—represents the first reported activity for the Ripple USD token in December 2024. The transaction was executed on Ledger Index 92,505,016 and classified as a "Payment" via the XRPScan Explorer. Notably, all newly minted tokens were transferred from one Ripple treasury account to another, indicating internal validation rather than public circulation.
💵 9,999,700 RLUSD minted at Ripple’s treasury address—signaling intensified preparation for launch.
Shortly after this event, a second, larger test occurred involving 39,999,523 RLUSD tokens on the Ethereum blockchain at Block 21316829. Similar to the XRP Ledger activity, these tokens were also moved to a designated treasury wallet. The dual-chain testing strategy suggests Ripple is evaluating cross-platform compatibility and infrastructure readiness ahead of a broader rollout.
Is RLUSD Close to Launch?
Ripple has been quietly but consistently advancing its stablecoin ambitions over recent months. The RLUSD project is part of a broader strategy to deepen liquidity and utility within global payment networks, particularly in cross-border transactions where stablecoins offer speed and cost efficiency.
While Ripple has not officially announced a launch date, the scale and repetition of these tests imply that RLUSD may be nearing production readiness. The fact that both XRP Ledger and Ethereum environments are being used indicates a multi-chain deployment plan, which could enhance interoperability and adoption across decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems.
The timing of these developments coincides with growing speculation about regulatory progress in New York. Recent reports suggest Ripple Labs is on the verge of securing a critical financial services license from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). While no official confirmation or timeline has been released, industry analysts believe such approval would serve as a green light for RLUSD’s formal introduction.
Regulatory clearance in New York—a key hub for financial innovation and compliance—would not only legitimize RLUSD in the U.S. market but also strengthen Ripple’s position globally. It could pave the way for partnerships with banks, payment providers, and fintech platforms seeking compliant dollar-pegged assets.
How RLUSD Could Impact the XRP Ecosystem
Beyond the stablecoin itself, these developments are fueling renewed interest in XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency. At the time of writing, XRP was trading at $2.758, reflecting a 24-hour surge of 30.55%—a rally driven by positive market sentiment around Ripple’s expanding ecosystem.
During this period, XRP climbed from a low of $2.094 to a peak of $2.849, demonstrating strong investor confidence. Analysts attribute part of this momentum to expectations surrounding RLUSD’s potential to increase demand for XRP in liquidity pools and payment corridors.
As previously noted by a former Ripple insider, RLUSD is expected to pair directly with XRP across various platforms, enhancing trading volume and network usage. This synergy could lead to improved market depth and reduce volatility over time by anchoring real-world value to digital transactions.
Moreover, increased regulatory clarity in the United States—especially under potential leadership changes at the SEC—could unlock further innovation around XRP-based financial products. One highly anticipated possibility is the launch of an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), which could bring institutional capital into the ecosystem if approved.
Core Keywords Driving Market Interest
The growing attention around Ripple’s initiatives reflects broader trends in digital finance. Key terms dominating search and discussion include:
- RLUSD
- Ripple stablecoin
- XRP price prediction
- XRP Ledger
- stablecoin launch
- Ripple Labs
- XRP ETF
- New York crypto license
These keywords highlight user intent focused on investment opportunities, regulatory developments, and technological advancements within the Ripple ecosystem. Their natural integration into content ensures alignment with SEO best practices while delivering value to readers seeking timely insights.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is RLUSD?
RLUSD is Ripple’s upcoming U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin designed to facilitate fast, low-cost international payments. It operates across multiple blockchains, including the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, aiming to improve liquidity and settlement efficiency.
Is RLUSD live yet?
No, RLUSD has not officially launched. However, Ripple is conducting extensive on-chain testing through minting and transfers on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks—strong indicators of pre-launch preparations.
Why is New York approval important for Ripple?
A license from the New York State Department of Financial Services would grant Ripple regulatory legitimacy to issue and operate a stablecoin in one of the most influential financial jurisdictions in the U.S., accelerating adoption and trust.
How does RLUSD affect XRP price?
By creating new use cases—such as pairing RLUSD with XRP in liquidity pools or payment rails—the stablecoin could increase demand for XRP, potentially driving long-term price appreciation.
Can I buy RLUSD now?
Not yet. RLUSD is still in testing phases and not available for public purchase or trading. Any claims of early access should be treated with caution.
Will there be an XRP ETF?
While no XRP ETF has been approved yet, there is growing speculation that changing regulatory attitudes—especially under new SEC leadership—could make it possible in the coming years.
The Road Ahead for Ripple
Ripple’s strategic push into the stablecoin space underscores its vision of transforming global payments through blockchain technology. With RLUSD testing intensifying across multiple chains and regulatory winds shifting favorably, 2025 could mark a turning point for both the company and its native asset, XRP.
As financial institutions increasingly seek compliant digital dollar solutions, Ripple’s focus on regulation-first innovation positions it uniquely in the market. Whether through expanded use of XRP in DeFi or the successful launch of RLUSD, the ecosystem appears poised for deeper integration into mainstream finance.