Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin and targets Stellar-XRPL bridge

Ripple is expanding its financial ecosystem through both regulatory engagement and technical interoperability. The company’s stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), has reached approximately $2.40 billion in circulation, supported by $2.52 billion in reserve assets as of September 3. RLUSD currently operates under a regulatory framework approved by the New York Department of Financial Services and is seeking further federal oversight through the conditional approval of Ripple National Trust Bank by the OCC.

In a move toward cross-chain utility, a proposed STAR GATE bridge aims to connect the Stellar network with the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This initiative, involving SL8 Social, would allow users to access wrapped assets, such as sgXRP and sgRLUSD, providing regulated dollar liquidity and XRP-based assets within the Stellar ecosystem.

These developments coincide with significant legislative activity in the United States. Ripple is participating in Stablecon USA in Washington, D.C., shortly before a scheduled Senate test of the CLARITY Act on September 15, which is expected to establish broader rules for digital-asset market structures.