On June 3, 2025, Ripple announced that its enterprise-grade stablecoin, RLUSD, has received approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for use within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This milestone authorizes DFSA-licensed firms operating in the DIFC—home to nearly 7,000 registered companies as of December 2024—to utilize RLUSD within regulated virtual asset services.
The approval aligns with Ripple's goal to position its stablecoin within clear and rigorous regulatory frameworks, particularly in jurisdictions actively promoting digital asset adoption, such as the UAE. RLUSD, a USD-backed stablecoin with segregated assets and third-party audits, is designed exclusively for institutional clients, focusing on facilitating efficient and cost-effective cross-border blockchain transactions for corporate use rather than retail payments.
This DFSA recognition enables integration of RLUSD into DIFC’s licensed payment network, enhancing cross-border transfer speed and reducing traditional banking frictions. The move highlights increasing regulatory engagement and confidence in blockchain-based digital finance across the Gulf region.
Ripple has also launched cross-border payment services under a DFSA license in partnership with clients like Zand Bank and Mamo fintech, enabling near-instant international transfers. The company’s strategic expansion in the UAE began in March 2025 when it became the first blockchain payments platform licensed by the DFSA, illustrating its long-term commitment to regional digital finance development.
The UAE’s progressive digital finance laws and rapid 55% rise in stablecoin transactions in 2024 support this growth environment. Ripple executives emphasize regulatory clarity and transparency as foundational to innovation and trust-building with corporate users. Through RLUSD and related payment solutions, Ripple aims to strengthen regional blockchain adoption and partner with local firms to advance the digital economy.