Ripple’s Stablecoin Gains Momentum as Regulatory Doors Open in Singapore
Ripple Labs Inc. (RL) has announced a series of developments that are reshaping the landscape for its US dollar‑backed stablecoin, RLUSD. The company’s recent regulatory approval in Singapore has unlocked a broader suite of payment services for both XRP and RLUSD, while the stablecoin itself has experienced a sharp increase in trading volume and adoption.
Regulatory Milestone in Singapore
On December 1, 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) upgraded Ripple’s existing Major Payment Institution (MPI) license, granting the company permission to expand its payment services. This move, covered by multiple outlets—including cryptopanic.com, decrypt.co, and cryptopolitan.com—provides Ripple with the authority to offer token‑based settlement and related payment services to banks, fintechs, and crypto firms within the city‑state.
The license expansion is part of Ripple’s broader strategy to deepen its institutional footprint across the Asia‑Pacific (APAC) region. By enabling the use of XRP and RLUSD as settlement options, the company aims to attract a larger customer base, including institutional and retail clients, and to increase the liquidity of its stablecoin.
Surge in RLUSD Adoption
Earlier that day, a report from u.today highlighted that RLUSD now boasts over 6,500 holders, a 65 % surge in volume that underscores growing confidence among users. The stablecoin’s close price on November 29, 2025, sat at $0.999859, well within its 52‑week range (high of $1.02041 and low of $0.991147). With a market capitalization exceeding $1.0 billion, RLUSD is positioned as a viable alternative to other USD‑pegged tokens.
Implications for the Stablecoin Market
The regulatory endorsement in Singapore is likely to have ripple effects beyond the city‑state. By demonstrating that a major financial regulator is comfortable with Ripple’s token‑based settlement model, other jurisdictions may be encouraged to follow suit. The combined presence of XRP and RLUSD as approved settlement options could accelerate cross‑border payments, reduce settlement times, and lower costs for institutions operating in the region.
Outlook
While XRP’s price has been volatile—experiencing a significant decline alongside Bitcoin on Monday—the strategic gains for Ripple appear solid. The company’s expansion of payment services, coupled with a measurable uptick in RLUSD holders, signals a maturation of its stablecoin ecosystem. Analysts will likely monitor how the Singapore approval translates into real‑world usage, the rate of adoption by banks and fintechs, and whether similar regulatory pathways open in other major financial hubs.
In summary, Ripple Labs’ recent regulatory victory in Singapore, paired with a notable increase in RLUSD adoption, marks a pivotal moment for the company’s stablecoin strategy and offers a compelling case study in how regulatory clarity can catalyze broader market participation.
