Ripple RLUSD Approved for Use by FSRA in Abu Dhabi Global Markets

TLDR

• RLUSD approved as a Fiat-Referenced Token by Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
• FSRA approval allows regulated use of RLUSD in the Abu Dhabi Global Market by licensed firms.
• RLUSD has surpassed $1.2 billion in market cap since launching in late 2024.
• Ripple expands in the Middle East with new deals in UAE, Bahrain, and Africa.

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Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, has been officially approved for use in Abu Dhabi’s financial sector. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) granted this recognition.

The approval means licensed institutions can now use RLUSD in regulated financial activities. These include cross-border payments and other enterprise-level financial services, depending on regulatory compliance.

RLUSD Recognized as Fiat-Referenced Token

The FSRA approved RLUSD under its framework for Fiat-Referenced Tokens. This designation applies to digital tokens backed by fiat currency, ensuring transparency and oversight.

According to Ripple, RLUSD will now be eligible for use by firms that are licensed under FSRA and meet the required compliance conditions. This approval aligns with the ADGM’s broader goal of promoting innovation under clear regulations.

Jack McDonald, Senior Vice President of Stablecoins at Ripple, said, “The FSRA’s recognition of RLUSD as a Fiat-Referenced Token reinforces our commitment to regulatory compliance and trust.”

Ripple Strengthens Middle East Presence

Ripple has been expanding its presence across the Middle East over the past year. The company secured a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) earlier in 2025, enabling broader service offerings in the UAE.

The company also formed partnerships in Bahrain and Africa. In Bahrain, Ripple partnered with Fintech Bay to support digital payment solutions. In Africa, the firm onboarded Absa Bank as its first custody customer and is working with fintech firms Chipper Cash, VALR, and Yellow Card.

Reece Merrick, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Ripple, noted, “This approval reinforces RLUSD as a compliant stablecoin that meets the highest standards of trust, transparency, and utility.”

Regulatory Support and Market Position

RLUSD was issued under a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Limited Purpose Trust Charter. It has reached a market capitalization of over $1.2 billion since its launch in late 2024. It is backed 1:1 with high-quality liquid assets and includes strict compliance, third-party attestation, and redemption rights.

The FSRA’s recognition adds to earlier approvals in other Middle East markets. Ripple emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s ADGM is known globally for its regulatory standards and commitment to supporting innovative digital finance firms.

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said, “We congratulate Ripple on achieving this important milestone. We look forward to seeing them use our robust regulatory framework.”

Strategic Role of RLUSD in Ripple Ecosystem

Ripple plans to integrate RLUSD into its broader services, such as cross-border payments and capital markets through Ripple Prime. The approval supports on- and off-ramp use cases and ensures compliance with institutional-grade requirements.

This approval also paves the way for future stablecoin adoption in the region. With ADGM’s support, Ripple will be able to expand further across the Gulf region and beyond.

The company earlier announced partnerships with Ctrl Alt to modernize Dubai’s real estate using blockchain, showing its long-term strategy in the Middle East.

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