Ripple Integrates Wormhole to Power XRPL Multichain Connectivity

Ripple integrates Wormhole to expand RLUSD to Layer 2 chains like Base and Optimism, with over $1B in stablecoin supply.

Ripple is expanding the reach of its RLUSD stablecoin through a new integration with Wormhole. 

The company announced plans to launch RLUSD on several Layer 2 networks including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain. Ripple is using Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard to enable testing across these chains. The stablecoin, which launched last year on Ethereum and XRPL, now has over $1 billion in total supply.

RLUSD Expansion to Layer 2 Chains Begins Testing Phase

Ripple confirmed it is preparing to bring RLUSD to Layer 2 ecosystems through Wormhole’s multichain infrastructure. Testing is already underway on Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain. The launch is expected to take place in 2026, depending on regulatory approvals.

The RLUSD stablecoin was first issued in December 2024 on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. 

Since then, it has grown in circulation, with current supply exceeding $1 billion, according to CoinGecko data. The integration with Wormhole supports Ripple’s goal to increase RLUSD’s use in DeFi and institutional finance.

According to Jack McDonald, Ripple’s SVP of stablecoins, the goal is to create a stablecoin that can meet both compliance and utility standards. 

“Stablecoins are the gateway to DeFi and institutional adoption,” he said, adding that RLUSD aims to serve as a reliable entry point into the digital asset space.

Wormhole Chosen for Multichain Infrastructure

Ripple has selected Wormhole to handle cross-chain transfers of RLUSD across multiple Layer 2 blockchains. 

The NTT token standard will be used for native movement of assets without wrapped tokens. This is part of Ripple’s broader effort to make RLUSD accessible across various blockchain networks.

Ripple previously partnered with Wormhole in June 2025 to support multichain interoperability for the XRP Ledger. That integration was the first step in building a more connected onchain environment for XRPL-based assets. 

With the new expansion, Ripple continues to invest in cross-chain technology to support broader adoption.

The same infrastructure used by Ripple also supports major players such as BlackRock’s $BUIDL platform. The platform relies on Wormhole to operate across multiple chains. This further shows the increasing role of multichain protocols in the institutional crypto market.

Related Reading: Wormhole Consolidates for Months as Traders Eye Bullish Divergence Breakout

Regulatory and Institutional Progress for Ripple

Ripple is also moving toward greater regulatory oversight with its stablecoin operations. 

Last week, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) conditionally approved Ripple’s application for a national trust bank charter. The new entity, Ripple National Trust Bank, would manage RLUSD under both federal and state oversight.

If fully approved, RLUSD would become the only stablecoin with a dual regulatory structure at the federal and state level. Ripple believes this would give institutions greater confidence in using the stablecoin across blockchain networks. 

The company says it plans to launch RLUSD on new chains once full approval is granted.

In November 2025, Ripple raised $500 million in a funding round led by Fortress and investors tied to Citadel Securities. Other participants included Galaxy Digital, Pantera, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace. 

This capital is expected to support Ripple’s broader plans in the regulated stablecoin space.

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