Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, has secured approval from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) as an Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token. The decision grants RLUSD regulated access within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a jurisdiction recognized for its stringent oversight and high institutional standards.
FSRA’s authorization enables licensed firms operating in ADGM to use RLUSD, provided they meet token-specific compliance requirements. The designation affirms RLUSD’s status as a USD-pegged digital asset and reinforces Ripple’s strategy to anchor its stablecoin within jurisdictions that emphasize transparency and regulatory assurance.
Ripple executives describe the approval as a crucial step. Jack McDonald, the firm’s SVP of Stablecoins, said the recognition aligns with Ripple’s focus on compliance and institutional trust.
Notably, RLUSD’s market cap has exceeded $1.2 billion, supported by full USD reserves, segregated accounts, and independent attestations. The stablecoin was issued under a New York Department of Financial Services charter, further enhancing its oversight profile.
UAE Expands Its Influence as a Digital-Asset Leader
Meanwhile, the UAE continues to emerge as a center for regulated digital-asset development. Ripple’s regional leadership acknowledges the country’s role in shaping global crypto frameworks. Reece Merrick, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, praised ADGM’s regulatory standards and noted growing institutional interest across the region.
ADGM officials echoed that sentiment. Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer, said Ripple’s approval aligns with ADGM’s mission to foster sustainable growth while maintaining stringent governance and compliance. The recognition positions RLUSD as a viable tool for payments, capital markets workflows, and cross-border settlement.
Notably, Ripple is already expanding across the region. Recent partnerships include new integrations in Bahrain and onboarding Absa Bank as its first African custody customer. Zand Bank and Mamo in the UAE have also adopted Ripple’s blockchain payment infrastructure.
Institutional RLUSD Demand and Market Activity Intensify
Remarkably, regulatory clarity opens the way for RLUSD to support broader financial applications, from liquidity management to smoother fiat-crypto transitions. Ripple expects its institutional platform, Ripple Prime, to accelerate integration across capital markets and cross-border corridors.
Ripple’s long-standing presence in MENA provides additional momentum. The company established its MENA headquarters in Dubai in 2023 and secured a DFSA license in 2025 to operate regulated crypto payments within the DIFC.
Meanwhile, XRP trades at $2.19, up nearly 2% in the past day, with declining volume signalling softer trader engagement. Notably, veteran trader Peter Brandt highlighted XRP as one of two assets that could still outperform, pointing to its long-term monthly structure despite months of downward pressure.
Evans Kelvin
The CoinRemark Team
