Global Leap: Ripple Boosts RLUSD with ISO 20022 and MiCA Strategy
Ripple is accelerating the global rollout of its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, by strategically aligning with two major financial infrastructure shifts: the U.S. Federal Reserve’s transition to ISO 20022 via Fedwire, and the European Union’s incoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations. The Fedwire Funds Service, the United States’ key real-time gross settlement system, officially migrated to ISO 20022 on July 14, 2025. This upgrade allows for more data-rich and efficient cross-border messaging. Ripple, already ISO 20022-compatible through its RippleNet platform, is now positioned as one of the few blockchain-native firms capable of interfacing directly with this enhanced U.S. payments infrastructure.
Simultaneously, Ripple is making significant strides in Europe by establishing a new entity—Ripple Payments Europe S.A.—in Luxembourg, a jurisdiction known for its forward-thinking financial regulation. This move is designed to secure an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which will allow Ripple to issue RLUSD under the EU’s MiCA framework across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area. Luxembourg’s strong financial ecosystem, including institutions like BNY Mellon for custody services, helps Ripple meet the diversified reserve requirements mandated under MiCA. By fulfilling these requirements, RLUSD can become a fully compliant, institution-ready stablecoin in the European market.
This dual strategy signals Ripple’s broader intention to become a compliant leader in the regulated digital asset space. While many crypto firms are retreating from regulatory frameworks, Ripple is embracing them to scale RLUSD globally. By bridging traditional finance and blockchain-based infrastructure, Ripple is not just launching another stablecoin — it is laying the groundwork for RLUSD to become a trusted vehicle for cross-border payments, institutional settlement, and fintech innovation on both sides of the Atlantic. The coordinated U.S.–EU strategy represents a new chapter in Ripple’s mission to power the internet of value