Ripple’s RLUSD Expands to Layer 2s with Wormhole’s NTT Standard

Ripple has taken a significant step toward expanding its stablecoin ecosystem by bringing Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Layer 2 (L2) networks ahead of its official debut next year. The company announced testing will begin on multiple L2 chains including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain, using Wormhole’s innovative Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard for secure cross-chain movement.

This strategic expansion marks an important milestone for Ripple, as RLUSD will become the first U.S.-based, trust-regulated stablecoin to launch on these L2 networks. The move aligns with Ripple’s vision of a multichain future where stablecoins exist wherever demand and utility are found.

RLUSD is expanding to Layer 2s using @wormhole’s NTT standard for native, secure transfers and will become the first U.S.-based, trust-regulated stablecoin on @Optimism, @Base, @Inkonchain and @Unichain: https://t.co/ju9KyoOIBa

This will enhance utility for XRP and RLUSD by…

— Ripple (@Ripple) December 15, 2025

Leveraging Wormhole’s NTT Standard for True Native Transfers

Central to this expansion is Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers standard, which enables a fundamentally different approach to cross-chain token movement. Unlike traditional bridging methods that create wrapped versions of tokens, NTT allows RLUSD to maintain its native form across different blockchains.

The NTT standard preserves token properties while using a secure minting and burning process to ensure tokens retain their characteristics when moving between chains. This approach eliminates the common problems of liquidity fragmentation and confusion around multiple wrapped versions of the same asset.

Jack McDonald, SVP of Stablecoin at Ripple, emphasized the significance of this approach: “By launching RLUSD—the first US Trust Regulated stablecoin on these L2 networks—we are not just expanding utility; we are setting the definitive standard where compliance and on-chain efficiency converge.”

A Regulated Stablecoin in the L2 Ecosystem

RLUSD brings robust regulatory credentials to the L2 ecosystem. The stablecoin operates under a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Trust Company Charter, ensuring bank-level oversight. Additionally, Ripple has ben granted an OCC bank charter, which would provide RLUSD with both state and federal oversight—a dual regulatory structure no other stablecoin currently possesses.

This regulatory foundation makes RLUSD particularly suitable for financial use cases. Each RLUSD token is backed one-to-one by cash deposits, U.S. Treasuries, and cash equivalents, providing stability and trust in an often volatile crypto market. Ripple maintains transparency through regular attestations and audits of these reserves.

Beyond the U.S., Ripple continues to expand its global regulatory footprint with over 75 licenses worldwide. Recently, RLUSD received recognition from regulators in key international hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, strengthening its position as a globally compliant stablecoin.

Strengthening XRP and RLUSD Utility

The expansion to L2 networks also creates new synergies between RLUSD and XRP. Ripple has prioritized issuing RLUSD wherever there is demand for XRP, particularly in wrapped form (wXRP), to strengthen the utility of both assets.

Hex Trust recently announced the issuance of wXRP for cross-chain interoperability, making it significantly easier for XRP holders to use the token alongside RLUSD across supported chains. This integration creates new opportunities for businesses to incorporate both assets into customer-facing services like payments, swaps, and checkout options.

For everyday XRP holders, this means expanded utility as they can now use wXRP across multiple chains for activities like swaps, lending, and potentially yield-generating opportunities where available.

Ripple plans to launch RLUSD on additional chains next year, subject to final regulatory approval, further expanding its multichain strategy and delivering on its vision of a truly interconnected blockchain ecosystem.

Disclaimer: News content provided by Genfinity is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, we do not offer financial or legal advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or legal decisions. Genfinity disclaims any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in our articles. Our commitment is to share knowledge, foster discussion, and contribute to a better understanding of the topics covered in our articles. We advise our readers to exercise caution and diligence when seeking information or making decisions based on the content we provide.