- Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz revealed that the upcoming RLUSD stablecoin will primarily be available to institutions to prevent misuse and ensure security, with regular audits to maintain transparency.
- Additionally, Ripple is planning to support EVM-compatible smart contracts on the XRP EVM sidechain in the near future.
David Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO, has provided some intriguing insights into RLUSD, Ripple’s upcoming stablecoin. Engaging with the Ripple community on X, Schwartz offered details on the stablecoin’s availability and security measures, reflecting Ripple’s commitment to transparency and innovation in the cryptocurrency space.
Limited Access to Prevent Misuse
In response to a question from a Ripple enthusiast regarding the accessibility of RLUSD, Schwartz clarified, “It will probably only ever be available directly to institutions. Can you get USDC from Circle or USDT from Tether, because I can’t.” This statement indicates that RLUSD will primarily be supplied to institutional users, a strategic move to prevent misuse such as criminal activities and money laundering. Similar issues have plagued other stablecoins like USDC and USDT, making this precaution particularly relevant.
Addressing Concerns About Manipulation
Schwartz also tackled concerns about the potential manipulation of RLUSD. He assured users, “I don’t think that’s likely to happen except maybe in very early test phases before anyone is really using it to move or store value.” This confidence in the stability and security of RLUSD aims to bolster trust among potential users and investors.
Launch Imminent: Testing and Transparency
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has hinted at an imminent public launch for RLUSD. Speaking at Korea Blockchain Week, Garlinghouse revealed that the stablecoin is in the final stages of testing on two blockchain networks in its closed beta stage. This beta testing, which began in August, signifies Ripple’s calculated entry into the stablecoin market, which is projected to grow significantly, reaching a market cap of $2.8 trillion by 2028.
The RLUSD stablecoin will be pegged 1:1 to the US dollar and backed by US dollar deposits, short-term US government treasury bills, and other cash equivalents. To maintain transparency, Ripple plans to release monthly third-party audits of the reserves, ensuring that users have confidence in the stability and backing of RLUSD.
Future Developments: Smart Contracts on the Horizon
While the launch of RLUSD is a significant milestone, Ripple has more developments in the pipeline. In the coming months, Ripple plans to support EVM-compatible smart contracts on the XRP EVM sidechain. This upgrade will enable developers to deploy smart contracts, potentially expanding Ripple’s utility and appeal in the broader blockchain ecosystem.
The upcoming RLUSD stablecoin reflects Ripple’s strategic approach to innovation and security in the cryptocurrency market. By limiting access to institutions and ensuring transparency through regular audits, Ripple aims to establish RLUSD as a reliable and secure stablecoin. As the company also looks to introduce smart contracts, the future for Ripple and its users appears promising.
