Ripple is actively expanding the reach of its stablecoin RLUSD across Layer 2 (L2) networks. Following XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum, the company plans to expand RLUSD to major L2 chains starting in 2026, establishing an on-chain liquidity infrastructure capable of 24/7 trading and settlement.
Ripple recently announced plans to connect RLUSD to multiple L2 networks via its cross-chain protocol, Wormhole. To achieve this, RLUSD is currently being tested on Optimism, Base, Unichain, and Ink, leveraging Wormhole's native token transfer (NTT) standard. However, full-scale public expansion is subject to regulatory approval for each network.
Since its launch on XRPL and Ethereum in December of last year, RLUSD has surpassed $1 billion in circulation. It has shown relatively rapid growth among stablecoins issued by US-affiliated companies, increasing its potential as a settlement asset for institutional and on-chain transactions.
Ripple defines RLUSD as a "compliance-first" stablecoin. Emphasizing its US-based trust-based issuance model, the company explains that its core strategy is to expand distribution channels while maintaining regulatory compliance. Ripple believes stablecoins will become a key entry point for DeFi and institutional capital, and aims to position RLUSD as a highly liquid on-chain payment method.
This L2 expansion strategy aligns with Ripple's existing multi-chain vision. Ripple has previously been working on interoperability, connecting XRPL with other blockchains via wormholes, and has been pursuing a payment and settlement structure that does not rely on a single chain.
Meanwhile, Ripple secured $500 million in new funding last November, valuing the company at approximately $40 billion. Combining this funding with its regulatory framework and multi-chain distribution strategy, Ripple is focusing its efforts on expanding RLUSD across major L2 networks.
The market is evaluating Ripple's moves as the next step in the stablecoin race. Beyond simply expanding issuance volume, attention is focused on whether RLUSD's strategy of simultaneously securing regulatory compliance and multi-chain liquidity will become a differentiating factor.
