Ripple Labs is accelerating its vision for a multichain future by expanding the pilot testing of its U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin, RLUSD, across multiple Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) networks. The move comes as Ripple awaits final regulatory approvals ahead of a wider public rollout expected in 2025.
The expansion signals Ripple’s intention to position RLUSD as a compliance-first, institution-ready stablecoin designed to operate seamlessly across interoperable blockchain ecosystems.
RLUSD Pilot Expands to Ethereum Layer-2 Networks
Under the ongoing pilot program, Ripple is testing RLUSD on several major Ethereum Layer-2 platforms, including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain. These networks are increasingly becoming the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), payments, and tokenized real-world assets due to their scalability and reduced transaction costs.
RLUSD was initially launched on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum mainnet. Expanding to Layer-2 solutions represents a strategic evolution, allowing the stablecoin to scale alongside growing on-chain activity while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Ripple believes that regulated stablecoins must follow users and applications as they migrate toward faster and more cost-efficient Layer-2 environments.
Wormhole Powers Cross-Chain Interoperability
To enable secure movement of RLUSD across blockchains, Ripple has partnered with Wormhole, a leading cross-chain interoperability provider. The pilot leverages Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard.
This approach allows RLUSD to remain natively issued and controlled by Ripple while still moving seamlessly between supported networks—without relying on wrapped tokens.
By avoiding traditional wrapped asset models, Ripple maintains direct control over supply and compliance, which is critical for institutional and regulatory confidence.
Optimism is expected to serve as a primary gateway into the broader Layer-2 ecosystem, with liquidity expanding further into Base, Ink (developed by Kraken), and Unichain.
Why Ethereum Layer-2 Networks Matter for Stablecoins
Ethereum Layer-2 adoption has surged as users and developers seek relief from high gas fees and network congestion on the mainnet. Many of today’s most active decentralized applications now operate primarily on L2s.
Ripple argues that stablecoins must be available where real economic activity is happening—whether that’s decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, payment rails, or tokenized asset marketplaces.
By testing RLUSD across multiple Layer-2 networks, Ripple can analyze liquidity flows, user behavior, and technical performance before committing to a full public release.
Compliance-First Design Sets RLUSD Apart
RLUSD is positioned as a regulatory-grade stablecoin, designed specifically for real-world financial use cases rather than speculative trading.
The stablecoin is issued under a trust company charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), placing it under bank-level regulatory supervision.
Ripple has also applied for a charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If approved, RLUSD would operate under both state and federal oversight in the United States—making it one of the most comprehensively regulated digital dollar tokens in the market.
Global Regulatory Strategy and Expansion Plans
Ripple’s compliance strategy extends beyond the U.S. The company has highlighted growing regulatory clarity in regions such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are emerging as global hubs for digital asset innovation.
These jurisdictions offer clear frameworks for blockchain-based financial services, making them attractive markets for regulated stablecoin adoption.
Ripple plans to expand RLUSD to additional blockchains next year, pending final regulatory approvals. The company says this measured rollout reflects its commitment to transparency, trust, and long-term sustainability.
Institutional Finance Meets DeFi
The RLUSD pilot underscores Ripple’s broader belief that stablecoins serve as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized finance.
Regulated digital dollars can enable faster cross-border payments, on-chain settlement of tokenized assets, and programmable financial products—all while maintaining compliance with existing financial regulations.
By operating across interoperable blockchains, RLUSD aims to support banks, fintech companies, payment providers, and decentralized applications seeking a reliable and compliant stablecoin solution.
Looking Ahead
As testing continues across Ethereum Layer-2 networks, Ripple expects the RLUSD pilot to generate valuable insights into scalability, liquidity, and user adoption.
These findings will help shape the stablecoin’s broader launch strategy in 2025.
With regulatory approvals pending and cross-chain infrastructure powered by Wormhole, RLUSD could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of compliant digital dollars.
The message is clear: the future of regulated stablecoins is multichain—built for both institutional finance and decentralized innovation.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.