Ripple’s next big move is here: The RLUSD stablecoin is making waves, and everyone’s wondering what’s next. Here’s why this is a game-changer and how it could reshape the stablecoin landscape in 2025.
After months of anticipation, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin has finally launched and is ready to challenge the established players like USDC. The big question now is, where will it go next? Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, has some ambitious plans to get RLUSD listed on more exchanges — including big ones like Coinbase. But, as McDonald explained in a recent interview, the process is not as simple as just signing a deal.
The Process: Behind the Scenes of Listing RLUSD
Exchanges can’t just decide to list a token like RLUSD with a simple handshake. McDonald broke down the technical steps involved, emphasizing that the crypto world works differently from traditional stock exchanges. Unlike the New York Stock Exchange, where everything runs on the same “plumbing,” each crypto exchange must support the specific blockchain that a token is issued on. Ripple’s RLUSD is available on both Ethereum and XRP Ledger, which means exchanges need to handle both networks to support it. It’s more complex than just adding a new asset.
Getting Big Exchanges Like Coinbase Onboard
For Ripple, listing RLUSD on major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance is crucial for its success. While McDonald didn’t give specific details on how soon this will happen, he hinted that more exchanges will likely support RLUSD by the end of 2025. However, the road to listing on platforms like Coinbase isn’t easy. McDonald pointed out that Coinbase has strong ties with Circle (the company behind USDC) and may prioritize that partnership for now. But the fact that Coinbase supports multiple stablecoins already, including USDT and PAX, means that it could slowly expand its offerings.
The NYDFS Advantage
Ripple’s approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) was a big win. This makes RLUSD the first token on the XRP Ledger to be included on the NYDFS-approved asset list, which could make it easier for other regulated institutions to adopt it. This approval gives Ripple an edge over smaller, less-established stablecoins, as it signals regulatory confidence in RLUSD’s stability.
What This Means for the Future
Looking ahead, McDonald predicts that the stablecoin market will see more dominance from larger, institutional-backed issuers due to the rising costs of regulatory compliance. He suggests that smaller stablecoin projects will struggle to keep up with the financial and regulatory challenges, while market leaders like USDT and USDC will continue to thrive.
This means that RLUSD could potentially become a significant player in the stablecoin market, especially if Ripple secures more listings and continues to strengthen its regulatory backing.
Why Should You Care?
As someone interested in the future of cryptocurrency, understanding the evolution of stablecoins like RLUSD is crucial. Stablecoins play a vital role in the crypto ecosystem by providing a stable, less volatile asset for trading and transactions. With Ripple aiming to get RLUSD onto major exchanges and secure more institutional support, it’s likely that RLUSD will become one of the dominant players in the stablecoin space. This is especially important for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in crypto investments or technology.
Key Takeaways:
- RLUSD: Ripple’s new stablecoin launched on Ethereum and XRP Ledger.
- Exchanges: The process to get listed is complicated due to technical requirements and relationships.
- Coinbase and Binance: The big names Ripple is eyeing for RLUSD listings.
- NYDFS Approval: A major win for Ripple that could open the door to more institutional support.
- 2025 Predictions: Larger, more compliant stablecoins will dominate, leaving smaller ones behind.
Stay informed and keep an eye on Ripple’s moves — this could change the game for stablecoins and crypto at large.