Ripple Targets European Market with RLUSD Stablecoin Launch Through Luxembourg

• Ripple is launching RLUSD stablecoin in Europe through Luxembourg, aiming for MiCA compliance across all 30 EEA nations.

• Luxembourg provides banking advantages with partners like BNY Mellon, and the country offers a clear regulatory pathway under CSSF oversight.

• Since launching on major exchanges, RLUSD has reached over $500 million in supply with $94 million in daily trading volumes.

Ripple has announced its strategic expansion into the European market with its RLUSD stablecoin, selecting Luxembourg as the primary entry point under the new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The move represents a significant step in Ripple’s global expansion strategy and commitment to regulatory compliance.

The digital payments company established Ripple Payments Europe SA in Luxembourg in April 2024, laying the groundwork for this European expansion. The subsidiary will pursue an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, enabling RLUSD operations across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) nations.

Luxembourg Provides Strategic Advantages for RLUSD Operations

Luxembourg offers Ripple several critical advantages for its European stablecoin operations. The country serves as a major financial hub, hosting numerous global banks, including Ripple’s partner BNY Mellon. This extensive banking network proves essential for meeting EU regulations requiring stablecoin issuers to maintain substantial and diversified reserves across multiple institutions.

The jurisdiction’s robust international banking ecosystem positions it as an optimal choice for RLUSD’s regional expansion, despite France leading in EMI licenses due to its concentration of systemically important banks. Luxembourg’s regulatory environment under the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) provides a clear pathway for MiCA compliance.

Chris Myers, EMEA Senior Counsel based in Luxembourg, will guide RLUSD through the EMI licensing process with the CSSF regulator. A Ripple spokesperson emphasized that this represents a significant opportunity in the European market, with the company prioritizing MiCA compliance as part of its collaborative approach with regulators.

RLUSD Gains Global Momentum Beyond European Markets

Ripple’s expansion efforts extend beyond Europe, with RLUSD receiving recognition as a crypto token in Dubai, supporting the emirate’s position as an emerging digital asset center. Alchemy Pay has partnered with Ripple to integrate fiat on-ramps, enabling users in over 170 countries to purchase RLUSD directly using more than 300 local payment methods.

Since its launch, RLUSD has demonstrated strong market traction with listings on major exchanges including Bitstamp, Kraken, Bitget, and Archax. The stablecoin has achieved a supply exceeding $500 million with daily trading volumes approaching $94 million, according to CoinMarketCap data.

The RLUSD expansion coincides with broader stablecoin regulatory developments, including the approval of the GENIUS Act in the United States, which may introduce streamlined national guidelines. Meanwhile, the EU’s MiCA regulation establishes a harmonized framework to enhance investor protection and transparency across digital assets.

Ripple’s regulatory-first approach positions RLUSD as a compliant solution for cross-border digital asset transactions, targeting institutional and retail users seeking stable value transfer mechanisms within the evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem.