Expanding to Ethereum Layer 2s

• Ripple is expanding its RLUSD stablecoin to four major Ethereum Layer 2 networks, Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain, abandoning its single-chain focus to chase deep DeFi liquidity.
• The expansion leverages Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard, ensuring RLUSD remains a unified asset across chains without the risks of traditional wrapping.
• Testing begins immediately, with a full commercial launch slated for 2026, positioning RLUSD as the compliant collateral for the Superchain ecosystem.

Ripple has moved closer to a multichain stablecoin framework by expanding Ripple USD into major Ethereum Layer 2 networks. The firm announced it will begin testing RLUSD on Optimism, Base, Kraken’s Ink, and Uniswap’s Unichain, targeting the deepest pools of on-chain liquidity rather than restricting the asset to the XRP Ledger. 

The expansion relies on Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers standard, which allows secure movement across chains without fragmenting supply. Hence, Ripple keeps full control over RLUSD issuance while enabling flexible liquidity across multiple environments.

Related: Ripple Wins Conditional OCC Approval for U.S. Trust Bank

This move signals a pragmatic shift in Ripple’s “Internet of Value” thesis. By integrating with the Superchain (Optimism/ Base) and DeFi-specific rollups (Unichain), Ripple is acknowledging that while the XRP Ledger is efficient for payments, the broader yield and trading economy lives on EVM-compatible networks..

The “Native” Liquidity Play

Critically, Ripple is bypassing vulnerable “lock-and-mint” bridges. The expansion relies on Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) framework. This technology allows RLUSD to be burned on one chain and minted natively on another, preserving total supply integrity while making the token fungible across different networks.

This structure allows institutional capital to flow seamlessly between the XRP Ledger and Ethereum Layer 2s. A trader could, in theory, settle a payment on XRPL and deploy the capital into a DeFi protocol on Base within seconds, without relying on fragmented “wrapped” versions of the stablecoin.

Compliance Strategy Anchors RLUSD Expansion

Ripple designed RLUSD to meet strict regulatory expectations from its inception. The stablecoin operates under a New York trust charter, which enforces bank-level oversight. 

Additionally, Ripple has applied for a federal charter, which could introduce dual regulatory supervision. Consequently, RLUSD targets institutions that require legal clarity before deploying capital onchain.

Moreover, regulators outside the United States have acknowledged RLUSD’s compliance framework. Authorities in regions such as the Middle East have recognized the structure as suitable for cross-border financial use. This recognition supports Ripple’s plan to scale RLUSD globally without redesigning its compliance model.

Related: Ripple Payments Secures First European Bank Integration as AMINA Bank Goes Live

However, Ripple has not limited RLUSD to regulatory strength alone. The company has aligned the rollout with ecosystems that already support enterprise-grade applications. This approach increases adoption potential among payment providers, fintech firms, and onchain service platforms.

XRP Utility Expands Through Multichain Liquidity

Ripple has linked RLUSD growth directly to XRP utility across chains. Wrapped XRP issuance enables XRP liquidity on Layer 2 networks alongside RLUSD trading pairs. 

Consequently, users can access swaps, lending, and payment services using both assets. This pairing improves liquidity depth while reducing reliance on external stablecoins.

Additionally, businesses can integrate RLUSD and wrapped XRP into payment flows and digital asset applications. These integrations support checkout systems, asset transfers, and settlement tools. Hence, XRP holders gain access to broader financial activity beyond the XRP Ledger.