Institutions Drive RLUSD's Rise as Stablecoin Bridges Traditional, Crypto Markets

The crypto market is undergoing a notable shift as Bitcoin’s relative underperformance has sparked increased interest in alternative assets, with stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) emerging as key drivers of liquidity and institutional adoption. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin has become a focal point in this transition, securing listings on major exchanges including Bybit, Bullish, Bitstamp, and others. These developments highlight the growing integration of stablecoins into institutional-grade financial infrastructure, with RLUSD now ranking as the 94th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization at $741 million as of September 2025. The stablecoin’s adoption is further bolstered by its integration into BlackRock’s BUIDL fund and VanEck’s VBILL fund, enabling institutional investors to redeem tokenized shares for RLUSD and facilitating seamless on-chain settlementsRipple’s RLUSD Stablecoin is Now Available on Bybit Exchange^[1].

Bybit’s inclusion of RLUSD in spot trading pairs against Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and USDT underscores the stablecoin’s role in bridging traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. The exchange enabled deposits and withdrawals via the Ethereum blockchain and XRP Ledger, positioning RLUSD as a versatile tool for cross-chain transactions. Analysts note that Bybit’s decision follows similar moves by platforms like Bullish and Uphold, reflecting a broader trend of exchanges prioritizing stablecoins with regulatory clarity and institutional backingBybit Lists Ripple’s RLUSD Following BlackRock and VanEck Integration^[2]. RLUSD’s current price of $0.999882, with a 24-hour trading range between $0.999797 and $0.99991, indicates its stability and liquidity, despite its absence from top-tier exchanges like Binance and CoinbaseRipple USD (RLUSD) Listed by Major Crypto Exchange^[3].

The partnership between Ripple and Securitize has further amplified RLUSD’s utility by integrating it into tokenized RWAs. Investors in BlackRock’s BUIDL and VanEck’s VBILL can now convert their tokenized shares into RLUSD via a smart contract, enabling 24/7 liquidity and atomic settlementsRipple and Securitize Enable RLUSD Smart Contract Functionality for Tokenized Funds^[4]. This innovation addresses a critical gap in traditional markets, where T+2 settlement timelines and liquidity constraints limit the efficiency of asset management. Ripple’s senior vice president of stablecoins, Jack McDonald, emphasized that RLUSD is designed for “regulatory clarity, stability, and real utility,” with its 1:1 USD backing and NYDFS trust charter providing institutional confidenceRipple’s RLUSD Expands: Is Coinbase or Binance the Next Big Listing?^[5].

Market dynamics suggest that RLUSD’s institutional adoption could catalyze broader stablecoin competition. While Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USDC dominate the market cap, RLUSD’s focus on enterprise-grade use cases—such as cross-border payments and DeFi liquidity—positions it as a specialized contender. The stablecoin’s integration into the XRP Ledger, planned through Securitize, could further expand its reach within the XRPL ecosystem, potentially boosting transaction volumes and demand for XRPRLUSD Settlement Goes Live in Securitize Treasury^[6]. Additionally, RLUSD’s role in tokenized treasury markets, where it facilitates instant transfers and yield-bearing assets, signals a shift toward programmable finance, aligning with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s vision of a digitally native financial systemRipple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Takes Center Stage: A New Era for Institutional Crypto Adoption^[7].

Challenges remain, particularly for RLUSD’s expansion onto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. Regulatory scrutiny of both the stablecoin issuer and the exchanges has delayed listings, with Binance and Coinbase prioritizing compliance amid ongoing SEC litigation. However, Ripple’s strategic alignment with the proposed GENIUS Act—a federal framework for stablecoins—positions RLUSD to gain a first-mover advantage in a regulated market. As institutional demand for stable and liquid assets grows, RLUSD’s adoption in tokenized funds and cross-border solutions could drive its market cap beyond $700 million, reinforcing its role in the altseason narrativeWill Ripple’s RLUSD Ever List on Binance and Coinbase?^[8].