Ripple Burns 47M RLUSD: What’s Next for the Stablecoin Launch?

·

Ripple Labs has made a significant move in the stablecoin space by burning over 46 million RLUSD tokens in a single day — a strategic action sparking widespread speculation about the future of its dollar-pegged digital asset. The sudden removal of nearly all circulating RLUSD from both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum networks signals a pivotal moment in Ripple’s stablecoin development, possibly hinting at an imminent launch or major structural update.

This article explores the implications of the burn, Ripple’s multi-chain stablecoin ambitions, regulatory challenges, and what users and investors can expect next — all while keeping you informed with accurate, SEO-optimized insights.

What Does Burning 47M RLUSD Mean?

On a single day, Ripple eliminated 46,676,120 RLUSD tokens from circulation — effectively reducing the supply to just around 100,000 tokens on each of the two supported blockchains: Ethereum and the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This large-scale token burn was confirmed by the Ripple Stablecoin Tracker and widely shared across crypto communities.

“Pretty much all #RLUSD was burned today. On each Ethereum and XRP Ledger there is only around 100k RLUSD left.”
— Vet (@Vet_X0), November 28, 2024

Token burning is a common practice in blockchain projects and typically serves one or more purposes:

In Ripple’s case, this likely marks the end of internal testing phases and sets the stage for a more formal rollout. With most test tokens removed, the company may be gearing up for compliance checks, partner onboarding, or final regulatory approvals.

👉 Discover how leading blockchain platforms manage token economies before launch.

Ripple’s Multi-Chain Stablecoin Strategy

Ripple officially entered the stablecoin race in April 2025, aiming to capture a share of the booming $170 billion+ stablecoin market dominated by USDT and USDC. But unlike many single-chain stablecoins, RLUSD is built for interoperability — designed to operate seamlessly across multiple blockchains.

Dual-Chain Deployment: XRPL and Ethereum

In August 2025, RLUSD was successfully minted on both:

This dual deployment allows RLUSD to serve diverse use cases:

By leveraging both networks, Ripple increases RLUSD’s utility and reach, positioning it as a truly cross-border, multi-ecosystem digital dollar.

Enterprise Testing Already Underway

According to Monica Long, President of Ripple, select enterprise clients have already begun using RLUSD in pilot programs — even before its public release. These early adopters are likely financial institutions, payment providers, or remittance services exploring faster, cheaper alternatives to traditional wire transfers.

Such real-world testing validates RLUSD’s functionality and strengthens Ripple’s case for broader adoption — especially in markets where liquidity, speed, and cost-efficiency are critical.

Regulatory Hurdles: The DFS Approval Factor

Despite technical progress, regulatory clarity remains the biggest obstacle to RLUSD’s full launch.

Ripple must secure approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to legally issue a stablecoin in the U.S. The DFS enforces strict standards for custody, reserves transparency, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and consumer protection — requirements that all major stablecoin issuers must meet.

Why DFS Approval Matters

The DFS oversees some of the most influential financial markets globally. Gaining their trust means:

Given Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC over XRP’s classification, securing DFS approval would be a major win — demonstrating Ripple’s commitment to compliance and responsible innovation.

However, no official timeline has been announced. While early rumors suggested a 2023 launch, those plans were delayed due to regulatory uncertainty. As of 2025, the launch window remains undisclosed, though industry analysts believe it could happen within the next 6–12 months if approvals align.

👉 Learn how global regulators are shaping the future of digital assets.

Core Keywords Driving RLUSD Interest

To ensure this content meets search intent and ranks effectively, here are the key terms naturally integrated throughout:

These keywords reflect what users are actively searching for — from technical details about the burn event to launch speculation and regulatory updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why did Ripple burn 47 million RLUSD?
A: The burn likely marks the end of testing phases. Removing test tokens helps reset the supply before official launch and ensures only verified, compliant tokens enter circulation.

Q: Is RLUSD live on mainnet?
A: While RLUSD has been minted on Ethereum and XRPL for testing, it is not yet publicly available for general use. Enterprise pilots are ongoing, but full public access awaits regulatory approval.

Q: Can I buy RLUSD now?
A: No. RLUSD is not listed on any cryptocurrency exchange as of 2025. It remains in controlled testing with select partners.

Q: What blockchains support RLUSD?
A: Currently, RLUSD operates on Ethereum and the XRP Ledger. Future expansions to other chains may follow based on demand and infrastructure readiness.

Q: How does RLUSD differ from USDT or USDC?
A: While similar in being dollar-pegged, RLUSD is uniquely designed for cross-border payments and enterprise use through RippleNet. Its native integration with XRPL also offers faster settlement than Ethereum-based alternatives.

Q: When will RLUSD launch publicly?
A: There is no confirmed date. Launch depends on regulatory clearance, particularly from the DFS. Most estimates suggest late 2025 or early 2026 if approvals proceed smoothly.

👉 Stay ahead of major crypto launches with real-time market intelligence.

Final Outlook: A Strategic Move Toward Legitimacy

Ripple’s decision to burn nearly all RLUSD tokens is more than just a technical cleanup — it’s a strategic signal. It shows discipline, preparation, and a clear path toward compliance and scalability.

With interoperability at its core and strong enterprise traction already underway, RLUSD has the potential to become a key player in the next generation of stablecoins — especially in global payments and institutional finance.

While regulatory hurdles remain, Ripple’s methodical approach suggests they’re playing the long game: prioritizing legitimacy over speed. For investors, developers, and financial institutions watching closely, the RLUSD journey is one to monitor closely in 2025 and beyond.

As always, stay informed, verify developments through official channels, and consider professional guidance before making any financial decisions related to emerging digital assets.