Ripple Tests RLUSD on Base and Optimism Ahead of Layer-2 Rollout

• Ripple is testing RLUSD on Base and Optimism in order to prepare for a regulated, multichain Layer-2 launch.
• Regulatory progress supports the use case of RLUSD.

Ripple has begun live testing RLUSD, the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, on Ethereum the Layer-2 networks Base and Optimism, marking a clear step toward a broader multichain strategy. The tests utilize Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard, supporting RLUSD to move across chains natively without relying on wrapped or synthetic assets.

In our report earlier, we discussed that the Layer-2 trials follow Ripple’s recent expansion in the Middle East, where RLUSD was greenlisted by Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), making it legally usable within the jurisdiction. As announced on X, yesterday’s news will increase the utility for XRP and RLUSD by creating premier liquidity pairs with wrapped XRP (wXRP) across these chains.

Strengthens RLUSD’s Institutional Case

RLUSD currently operates on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum and has surpassed $1 billion in circulating supply, according to CoinGecko. Expanding to Layer-2 networks places the stablecoin closer to active DeFi markets, lending protocols, and institutional settlement flows.

The company also stated their plans to formally launch RLUSD on Base, Optimism, Ink, and Unichain next year, subject to regulatory clearance. Ripple further emphasizes RLUSD is designed to meet institutional compliance standards while also maintaining on-chain efficiency that positioning it as a regulated bridge between traditional finance and decentralized liquidity.

Ripple Momentum Builds Alongside Stablecoin Expansion

According to Reuter recent report, Ripple’s stablecoin strategy is supported by recent U.S. regulatory progress. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has granted conditional approval for a national trust bank charter tied to Ripple National Trust Bank. If finalized, RLUSD would operate under both state trust oversight and federal supervision, which is an oversight structure Ripple says is unique among all stablecoins on the market.

RLUSD’s expansion coincides with renewed strength across Ripple’s broader ecosystem. In November, the company raised $500 million at a $40 billion valuation, with participation from investors linked to Citadel Securities, Fortress, Galaxy Digital, Pantera, and Brevan Howard.

As of press time, XRP is trading at $1.87, experiencing a decrease of 6.07% over the past day and 8.89% over the past week. See XRP price chart below.