Ripple’s U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, has secured regulatory recognition from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The license makes the token legal for use within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking another regulatory milestone for the firm.
The blockchain payments firm launched RLUSD in December 2024 and claims the token is fully backed 1:1 by the U.S. dollar and built with enterprise-grade features. The company aims to make the stablecoin meet the expectations of regulators and institutional users alike.
DFSA Greenlights RLUSD
Undoubtedly, the approval strengthens RLUSD’s status as one of the few stablecoins recognized under the DFSA and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Interestingly, the regulatory approval also means other licensed entities in the DIFC, a fast-growing fintech hub with nearly 7,000 firms, can now integrate RLUSD into their offerings.
The firm noted that the UAE’s stablecoin adoption has grown by 55% in 2024 hinting at rising users’ interest in blockchain-based solutions for global trade and finance. In line with the growth, the company claims regional businesses are interested in its payment and custody services, fueling the need for more regulatory approvals.
Ripple believes the regulatory greenlight will enable RLUSD to play a central role in Dubai’s crypto industry as it aims to modernize global payments. Commenting on the recent development, Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoin said:
“This approval is proof of our commitment to building a stablecoin that meets the highest standards of trust, transparency, and utility. With regulation-first design and enterprise-grade features, RLUSD is uniquely positioned to drive institutional use of blockchain technology across global markets, starting with cross-border payments.”
Not the First Regulatory Approval in the UAE
Ripple’s recent approval by the DFSA builds upon its earlier regulatory achievements in the UAE. Recall that in March 2025, CTW reported that Ripple had been licensed by the DFSA to offer crypto payment services within the DIFC. While the former authorized Ripple to offer crypto payment services in the DIFC, the latest approval recognizes RLUSD as a regulated token.
Meanwhile, the UAE continues to be a crypto-friendly jurisdiction by implementing supportive regulatory measures and fostering innovation in the crypto industry. Its central bank has approved insurance services for crypto firms. Following the friendly regulations, its Ruya Bank has become the first Islamic bank to offer Shari’ah-compliant crypto services.
