Ripple’s RLUSD Wins Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi, Boosting Global Expansion

Ripple’s U.S. dollar–pegged stablecoin RLUSD has secured a major regulatory milestone after receiving official approval for use in Abu Dhabi’s primary financial jurisdiction. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FRSA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has formally classified RLUSD as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token, opening new doors for Ripple’s expanding footprint in global digital finance.

With this approval, licensed institutions under ADGM can now utilize RLUSD for permitted financial activities, provided they meet the regulator’s conditions. Ripple highlighted that the green light reinforces ADGM’s standing as one of the world’s most forward-thinking digital-asset regulators. Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President for Stablecoins, said the recognition underscores the company’s commitment to trust and compliance, noting that with a market cap exceeding $1 billion, RLUSD is quickly emerging as a preferred stablecoin for major financial players.

ADGM officials echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their goal of supporting innovative companies that contribute to the region’s digital-asset ecosystem. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, congratulated Ripple on the achievement and expressed optimism about seeing RLUSD operate within the market’s robust regulatory framework.

The Abu Dhabi approval marks another step forward in Ripple’s steady expansion across the Middle East. Earlier this year, the company earned a DFSA license, enabling it to offer regulated digital-asset services across the UAE. Ripple has also partnered with Bahrain’s Fintech Bay to promote blockchain adoption in the Gulf and test RLUSD-powered payment solutions.

Beyond the Middle East, Ripple is pushing into Africa through collaborations with major fintech firms including Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card. The company has also increased its activity in the UAE, partnering with Ctrl Alt to help modernize Dubai’s real-estate sector by enabling the Dubai Land Department to issue blockchain-based property title deeds on the XRP Ledger.

Ripple’s latest regulatory win strengthens its global reach and positions RLUSD as a key contender in the fast-growing stablecoin market.