Ripple is expanding its stablecoin, RLUSD, to multiple Ethereum Layer‑2 networks using Wormhole’s interoperability protocol in a strategic multichain initiative.
Key Takeaways:
- RLUSD is being tested on leading Layer‑2 networks including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain.
- Wormhole integration enables secure, native cross-chain transfers without wrapped tokens.
- A broader rollout is expected in 2026 after regulatory approval, positioning RLUSD against major stablecoins like USDC and USDT.
On Monday, December 22, 2025, Ripple Labs announced a major upgrade to its stablecoin strategy: expanding Ripple USD (RLUSD) onto leading Layer‑2 networks built on Ethereum. This move, in partnership with Wormhole, marks the first time a regulated, U.S. trust-backed stablecoin is being tested across multiple L2 environments.
The initial rollout is in a testing phase targeting Optimism, Coinbase’s Base, Kraken’s Ink, and Uniswap’s Unichain. Using Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers standard, RLUSD will move natively across chains without needing wrapped or synthetic versions. This design keeps liquidity and regulatory controls intact, contrasting traditional bridging methods that carry counterparty and smart-contract risks.
Ripple Executives Frame RLUSD as a Compliance-First Stablecoin for Layer-2 Growth
Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, highlighted the strategic goal: stablecoins are a gateway to DeFi and institutional adoption. By launching RLUSD, the first U.S. trust-regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks, Ripple aims to set a standard where compliance and on-chain efficiency converge.
The expansion demonstrates Ripple’s dual focus on regulatory compliance and cross-chain utility. Integrating RLUSD into multiple Layer-2 environments aims to streamline on-chain payments, institutional settlements, and decentralized finance adoption without compromising U.S. regulatory standards.
RLUSD Expansion Fails to Trigger Immediate XRP Price Surge
Contrary to community and market expectations, XRP failed to rally following RLUSD expansion. As of this writing (9:45AM UTC), the token traded at approximately $1.88, reflecting a 1.7% drop over the past 24 hours after falling from its intraday highs near $1.94, while having touched intraday lows around its current price.
Meanwhile, momentum indicators logged RSI around 40, indicating neither nor overbought conditions. However, MACD points to limited bullish sentiment. While the RLUSD announcement is positive, it has not prompted a significant price reaction due to broader market trends.
RLUSD Expansion Targets Layer‑2 Networks to Boost DeFi and Institutional Use
Layer-2 networks like Optimism and Base are emerging as fast, low-fee hubs for DeFi applications. RLUSD’s presence on these networks expands payment and settlement options for both retail and institutional users, enabling more efficient liquidity movements across ecosystems.
RLUSD’s regulatory framework under a NYDFS trust ensures compliance with U.S. regulations while taking part in decentralized markets. This combination of regulatory oversight and Layer-2 innovation positions RLUSD as a reliable option for cross-chain liquidity and on-chain payments.
What to Watch Next
As being expected to launch on 2026, the RLUSD rollout is still in its testing stage. Key milestones will include final approvals from NYDFS and potential federal oversight via an OCC charter. DeFi integration on Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain will be critical in determining RLUSD’s adoption and market impact.
Key developments in the next coming weeks or months such as L2 deployments regulatory approvals, integration into DeFi liquidity pools and payment rails, and expanded trading pairs with wrapped XRP and other stablecoins, were being watched closely. These potential milestones might help prove that RLUSD can be a key instrument for institutional crypto adoption and cross-chain liquidity management in 2026.
Summary
Ripple is testing its U.S. trust-backed stablecoin RLUSD across major Ethereum Layer‑2 networks using Wormhole to enable native, regulated cross-chain transfers with a broader rollout targeted for 2026.
