Ripple’s RLUSD Gains Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi

Highlights:

• Ripple’s RLUSD has been approved by ADGM in Abu Dhabi to be used by the institutions.
• The stablecoin is now authorized for regulated financial practices in the U.A.E.
• The RLUSD market capitalization has already surpassed $1.2 billion with the increasing adoption in the Middle East.

Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin has received the green light from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi. The stablecoin will thus be permitted to operate within the Dubai Global Market (ADGM) area as an Accepted-Fiat-Referenced-Token. The regulatory decision opens the door for licensed institutions to embrace RLUSD in the conduct of their regulated activities.

By this move, Ripple not only solidifies but also expands its presence in the digital finance sector of the region. Furthermore, the regulator’s move comes in the wake of ADGM’s broader commitment to innovation under a secure environment. Ripple’s RLUSD has now become one of the few stablecoins in the authorized ecosystem of ADGM.

Launched in late 2024, the digital asset operates under a limited-purpose trust charter granted by the New York Department of Financial Services. RLUSD is fully backed by high-quality liquid assets and pegged 1:1 with the U.S. dollar. Currently, its total circulating supply is more than $1.2 billion, with a market capitalization of over $1 billion.

The Ripple executives pointed out how crucial the FSRA’s acknowledgment was. Jack McDonald, who is the Senior Vice President of Ripple’s Stablecoins, commented,

“The acceptance by the FSRA of RLUSD as a Fiat-Referenced Token is an endorsement of our commitment to regulatory compliance and trust.”

Compliance and trust are non-negotiables for institutional finance.

That's why $RLUSD has been greenlisted by Abu Dhabi’s FSRA, enabling its use as collateral on exchanges, for lending, and on prime brokerage platforms within @ADGlobalMarket—the international financial centre of…

— Ripple (@Ripple) November 27, 2025

Expansion Across the UAE and the Middle East

Ripple has been gaining momentum in the Middle East. In addition to receiving ADGM approval, Ripple was previously authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This allowed the company to provide cross-border payment in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Moreover, the RLUSD is also approved to be used in DIFC. Such broader compatibility in regulations highlights the UAE’s position in the regulation of digital assets. According to Reece Merrick, the Managing Director of Ripple in the Middle East and Africa, “ADGM is known worldwide to have progressive regulatory leadership.”

Ripple has also established key collaborations in the region. In the UAE, Zand Bank and Mamo are early adopters of a blockchain-powered payment system based on Ripple. Ripple also launched operations in Bahrain via a new strategic partnership. Meanwhile, Absa Bank in Africa is now Ripple’s first custody client on the continent.

Ripple Payments momentum is building in the UAE. 🇦🇪 https://t.co/gFiwxXWfM5

Following our DFSA license, Zand Bank and @MamoPay are now live on Ripple Payments—bringing always-on, blockchain-powered cross-border payments to one of the world’s top remittance hubs.

— Ripple (@Ripple) May 19, 2025

Furthermore, the expanding list of institutional users indicates a high level of regional demand for a compliant and trusted stablecoin. The defined reserve system, dominant redemption rights, and transparency in RLUSD remain remarkably adopted among financial institutions.

Expanding Global Use Cases

Ripple’s RLUSD is now part of Ripple Payments, which offers fast, low-cost cross-border payments. The stablecoin is also used in capital markets and crypto on-ramps. Additionally, having regulatory clarity, RLUSD is becoming an asset of choice regarding settlement and liquidity.

Additionally, backed by independent validation, segregated reserves, and stringent supervision, RLUSD meets the institutional finance requirements. This makes it appealing to the regulated players seeking a stable and compliant U.S. dollar token.