Regulatory Approval in Abu Dhabi Global Market
Ripple has strengthened its presence in the United Arab Emirates following the Abu Dhabi Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) recognizing RLUSD as an accepted fiat-referenced token within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This decision allows licensed entities to process payments using the dollar-backed asset, provided they adhere to the rules governing regulated crypto tokens.
Stablecoin activity in the UAE has seen a significant surge, with a 55% increase in transactions during 2024. This trend intensifies competition with established stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Ripple aims to leverage this regulatory clearance to position RLUSD within corporate payment flows and networks that demand transparent backing and standardized oversight.
“We look forward to seeing them make use of our robust regulatory framework, designed to support the sustainable growth of innovative firms and ensure the highest international standards of governance and compliance, which continues to set global benchmarks in the digital asset space. Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering innovation, transparency, and trust positions Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for the next generation of financial services and digital finance.” – said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer, ADGM
Jack McDonald, head of Ripple’s stablecoin division, noted that institutional finance prioritizes compliance and verifiable trust when adopting crypto assets. He added that RLUSD is increasingly being used for functions such as collateral and enterprise payments across sectors seeking dollar-linked instruments with operational safeguards.
The FSRA decision follows a previous approval granted by Dubai's financial regulator for operations within the Dubai International Financial Centre. Reece Merrick, responsible for operations in the Middle East and Africa, highlighted that the UAE promotes clear rules for crypto assets and observes a rising demand for solutions focused on cross-border transfers and custody services.
ADGM's Support for Regulated Digital Assets
The market development arm of ADGM emphasizes that Abu Dhabi supports financial services backed by regulated crypto products and is continuously building a framework aimed at secure integration. Ripple stated that the new authorization streamlines RLUSD adoption in enterprise-level payment products and expands its role within capital markets handled through Ripple Prime.
The stablecoin operates under a limited-purpose trust charter issued in New York and has surpassed a market value of $1.2 billion since its launch in late 2024.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Ripple is extending its reach across Asia, the Gulf, and Africa through new agreements and expansion initiatives. The firm is testing solutions in Bahrain via Bahrain Fintech Bay and is collaborating with regional institutions such as Zand Bank and Mamo to embed blockchain-based payment rails.
The company is entering the South African financial sector with Absa Bank, its first custody client in the region, which links RLUSD to local markets. In Japan, distribution may commence through SBI VC Trade during early 2026, according to public remarks from its chief executive. In Singapore, MetaComp began offering the stablecoin to institutional customers in August via its foreign-exchange and settlement platform.
During an interview at Ripple Swell 2025 in New York, chief executive Brad Garlinghouse explained that Ripple is pursuing acquisitions and partnerships to deliver crypto-enabled solutions for financial institutions seeking operational tools connected to crypto assets.