XRP News Today: Ripple USD Gains Retail Adoption Despite Enterprise Focus

Ripple USD (RLUSD), launched in late 2024 as an enterprise-focused stablecoin, is experiencing unexpected retail adoption despite its initial positioning for institutional use. The stablecoin, built on Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechains, has seen growing integration with self-custodial wallets like Xaman and platforms such as Transak, expanding its accessibility to individual users. Xaman COO Robert Kiuru noted that while RLUSD’s launch emphasized XRPL’s strengths in speed, cost-efficiency, and finality for enterprises, “we’re seeing real traction on the retail side,” highlighting a shift in market dynamics [1]. Data from RWA.xyz reveals that 88% of RLUSD’s $557.7 million market capitalization is issued on EVM sidechains, but 91% of its 34,160 holders prefer XRPL, underscoring a divergence between issuance volumes and user preferences [1].

The stablecoin’s dual-market strategy has drawn attention from industry experts. Harshit Gangwar of Transak emphasized that RLUSD’s infrastructure supports both institutional and retail needs, enabling seamless issuance and redemption. Huma Finance’s Erbil Karaman observed that RLUSD now functions similarly to general-purpose stablecoins like USDC, competing across all segments [1]. This evolution challenges Ripple’s original enterprise-centric narrative and positions RLUSD as a versatile contender in the stablecoin space. Analysts suggest that post-launch adoption often redefines a stablecoin’s role, regardless of initial marketing strategies, reflecting the practical utility of Ripple’s technology [1].

Ripple’s strategic focus on XRPL’s technical advantages—such as its 3–5-second finality and low fees—has attracted retail users seeking efficient transaction options. Meanwhile, EVM sidechains cater to broader adoption by leveraging Ethereum-compatible ecosystems. The XRP Ledger’s 91% user preference highlights its appeal to retail investors, despite EVM’s larger issuance share [1]. This duality suggests that RLUSD’s cross-network presence could strengthen its market resilience, particularly as retail adoption in crypto matures.

The growing retail traction also reflects broader trends in Ripple’s ecosystem. XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, saw an 80% surge in July 2025, driven by institutional partnerships and leveraged ETF launches, indicating a rising trust in the company’s technology [2]. While direct metrics on RLUSD’s retail adoption are limited, the momentum in Ripple’s ecosystem signals potential spillover benefits for its stablecoin. Institutional collaborations with banks and payment processors further reinforce RLUSD’s credibility, creating a network effect that could indirectly drive retail usage through mainstream financial integrations [1].

However, challenges remain. Global regulatory scrutiny of stablecoins, including demands for stricter transparency and reserve requirements, poses risks for Ripple. The company’s enterprise-first approach may also divert resources from retail marketing efforts, though its institutional success has already generated public-sector interest [2]. Navigating these hurdles while maintaining competitive differentiation from USDC and USDT will be critical for RLUSD’s long-term viability.

Ripple’s expanding retail adoption underscores the evolving nature of stablecoins in the crypto market. By leveraging XRPL’s strengths and cross-chain capabilities, RLUSD has positioned itself as a hybrid solution bridging institutional and retail needs. As the stablecoin’s user base grows, stakeholders must monitor its trajectory to gauge its impact on market dynamics and regulatory responses.

Source: [1] [title: Ripple USD Stablecoin May See Growing Retail Adoption Despite Initial Enterprise Focus] [url: https://en.coinotag.com/ripple-usd-stablecoin-may-see-growing-retail-adoption-despite-initial-enterprise-focus/] [2] [title: XRP surges to new highs as Ripple's institutional-focused narrative gains traction] [url: https://uk.marketscreener.com/news/xrp-surges-to-new-highs-as-ripple-s-institutional-focused-narrative-gains-traction-ce7c5cd3d08df121]