XRP News Today: Cardano's XRP Integration Could Unlock $100B in DeFi Liquidity

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has sparked significant market interest by outlining plans to integrate XRP and Ripple's stablecoin RLUSD into the Cardano ecosystem, positioning the projects for expanded DeFi liquidity and cross-chain collaboration. Hoskinson emphasized that nearly $100 billion in idle XRP could transition into yield-bearing DeFi protocols, leveraging regulatory clarity and real-world asset (RWA) integration to unlock liquidity. This comes as Nasdaq-listed Reliance Global Group Inc. (NASDAQ:RELI) added XRP to its corporate digital asset treasury, signaling institutional confidence in the token's utility.

The integration package for XRP includes wallet support via Cardano's Lace wallet, a dedicated DeFi execution layer, and a standards-based approach for deploying RLUSD across ecosystems. Hoskinson detailed that Cardano is developing a solution allowing XRP developers to deploy smart contracts and dApps without altering the XRP Ledger's architecture. Projects like Flair, already active in the XRP ecosystem, may also integrate into Cardano's banking system, subject to technical and commercial criteria. For RLUSD, the integration hinges on regulatory alignment, with discussions with Ripple beginning in 2024 amid scrutiny over stablecoin frameworks. Hoskinson advocated for a "self-serve listing model," akin to Coinbase's Rosetta framework, to streamline RLUSD's adoption across chains.

The potential impact on DeFi is substantial. Analysts suggest that bridging XRP and RLUSD into Cardano could boost total value locked (TVL) by $10–15 billion, driving transaction volume and liquidity. Short-term price volatility is anticipated as markets react to the integration news, while long-term success depends on regulatory clarity, technical execution, and community adoption. Hoskinson also hinted at "glacier drops," a phased release mechanism for token or feature rollouts, further emphasizing strategic integration timelines.

Reliance Global's XRP acquisition, part of its Digital Asset Treasury strategy, underscores growing institutional interest in XRP's efficiency and utility. CEO Ezra Beyman described the move as a "measured step" toward diversified blockchain exposure, aligning with Cardano's broader goal of fostering interoperability. Meanwhile, technical analysis highlights XRP's consolidation near $2.91 within a symmetrical triangle pattern, with a breakout above $2.93 potentially targeting $3.07, while a breakdown could trigger a slide to $2.64.

The collaboration reflects a broader trend of cross-chain cooperation in the crypto space. By integrating XRP's transactional speed with Cardano's smart contract capabilities and RLUSD's stablecoin utility, the projects aim to create a hybrid ecosystem for decentralized finance. Hoskinson's vision includes leveraging Cardano's Midnight layer to serve as a DeFi backbone for XRP, enabling yield generation for holders and enhancing Ripple's ecosystem.

Regulatory developments remain critical. RLUSD's recent U.S. regulatory approval and Cardano's advocacy for standardized onboarding frameworks indicate a focus on compliance. However, risks such as technical challenges and regulatory delays could hinder progress. If successful, the integration could redefine XRP's role from a payment token to a structural DeFi asset, while RLUSD gains traction as a stablecoin alternative.

[1] Benzinga (https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/10/48111844/cardanos-charles-hoskinson-says-100-billion-xrp-could-flood-into-defi)

[2] Coin-Views (https://www.coin-views.com/2025/09/cardano-expands-xrp-ripple-usd-support.html)

[4] The Crypto Times (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/06/15/charles-hoskinson-reveals-xrp-rlusd-integration-on-cardano/)