Ripple Ecosystem Update: RLUSD Pilot with Mastercard Ushers in Regulated Stablecoin Settlements
Ripple has taken a significant step toward merging traditional finance with blockchain innovation through its newly launched RLUSD pilot in collaboration with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini. Announced on November 5, 2025, during the Ripple Swell conference in New York, this initiative introduces a regulated USD-backed stablecoin to streamline fiat credit card settlements. The move not only emphasizes Ripple’s commitment to compliance and transparency but also showcases the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as a secure and scalable settlement layer for real-world financial applications.
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Bridging Traditional Finance and Blockchain
The RLUSD pilot is designed to modernize payment settlements between banks and financial institutions by leveraging blockchain’s real-time capabilities. Through this collaboration, Mastercard and WebBank—issuer of the Gemini Credit Card—will use RLUSD to settle transactions nearly instantly on XRPL, replacing the typical multi-day clearing process. Ripple’s XRPL ensures efficiency and low transaction costs, while Gemini provides liquidity and fiat on/off-ramps for smooth integration.
Mastercard’s Global Head of Digital Commercialization, Sherri Haymond, emphasized that this partnership demonstrates a “principled approach to stablecoins,” focusing on consumer protection and regulatory compliance. WebBank’s CEO, Jason Lloyd, added that this marks a practical evolution in banking—maintaining stability while harnessing blockchain’s speed and transparency.
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Ripple’s Financial Momentum and Expansion Plans
The pilot coincides with Ripple’s strong financial growth, following a $500 million equity raise led by Fortress Investment Group, Citadel Securities, Galaxy Digital, and others. This funding round raised Ripple’s valuation to $40 billion and supports its expansion into custody, treasury management, and prime brokerage services. RLUSD, launched in December 2024 and now exceeding $1 billion in circulation, has already processed over $95 billion in payments volume through Ripple Payments and serves as a key collateral asset in Ripple Prime.
CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted that Ripple’s latest achievements mark its transition from a payments company into a comprehensive crypto infrastructure provider, capable of supporting both institutional and retail applications across DeFi and global finance.
Market and Technical Insights on XRP
Following the announcement, XRP’s price reacted positively, rising from $0.52 to $0.545 before consolidating around $0.538. On-chain analytics revealed a 15% surge in new XRPL addresses and a 22% increase in transaction volume to 1.2 million. Technical indicators suggest XRP is trading within a neutral triangle formation, with potential upside targets around $0.62 if momentum continues.
A Catalyst for Institutional Blockchain Adoption
As one of the first regulated U.S. stablecoin pilots for credit card settlements, the RLUSD initiative positions Ripple at the forefront of blockchain-powered finance. With full-scale testing expected by early 2026, this integration could redefine digital payment infrastructure—bridging the gap between blockchain efficiency and institutional reliability, while reinforcing Ripple’s long-term mission of enabling global, real-time financial connectivity.
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Kayode Michael is a seasoned cryptocurrency analyst, successful trader, and skilled writer with a strong command of cryptocurrency analysis and price action. He leverages his technical analysis skills to provide valuable insights into emerging market trends and potential opportunities for investors to make informed decisions.
