TLDR
- Ripple has applied for an EMI license in Luxembourg to launch RLUSD across all 30 EEA countries under MiCA rules.
- RLUSD has surpassed $500 million in supply with daily trading volume nearing $94 million, per CoinMarketCap data.
- Ripple established Ripple Payments Europe SA in April to manage EU operations and licensing from Luxembourg.
- Alchemy Pay integration enables RLUSD purchases in 170+ countries using over 300 local payment methods.
Ripple has launched its expansion into the European Union for its RLUSD stablecoin, starting with operations in Luxembourg. This marks a step forward in the company’s plan to bring RLUSD into regulated markets under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Ripple aims to make RLUSD available across the 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries by meeting new regulatory standards and securing key licenses.
Ripple incorporated a new entity, Ripple Payments Europe SA, in Luxembourg in April. This company is responsible for leading the process to obtain an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which is required to issue and manage stablecoins under EU law.
Luxembourg Chosen for Its Financial Strength and Banking Network
Luxembourg was selected due to its strong banking system and favorable regulatory environment for digital assets. Although the country hosts only one other stablecoin issuer, its broad network of global banks gives Ripple the infrastructure needed for RLUSD’s launch. BNY Mellon, Ripple’s chosen custodian bank for RLUSD reserves, also operates in Luxembourg.
MiCA regulations require stablecoin issuers to hold large and diversified reserves across several regulated banks. Larger issuers must place at least 60% of these reserves with financial institutions and cannot hold more than 15% with any single bank, unless the bank is classified as systemically important. Luxembourg’s international banking presence helps Ripple meet these reserve rules more easily compared to other EU nations.
🚨BREAKING: @Ripple plans $RLUSD stablecoin EU entry via Luxembourg!
💥#XRP will bridge every single $RLUSD transaction!💥 pic.twitter.com/Fh819oVd0T
— JackTheRippler ©️ (@RippleXrpie) July 14, 2025
France leads in the number of EMI licenses issued, due to its four global systemically important banks. Still, Luxembourg offers competitive advantages through its connections to international financial systems and its status as a key European finance hub. These factors help Ripple position RLUSD for full compliance and future expansion.
Regulatory Process and Job Openings Indicate RLUSD Launch Preparation
Ripple has confirmed it is pursuing regulatory licenses in multiple regions, including the EU. A company spokesperson said, “We see opportunity in the European market and we intend to become MiCA-compliant.” This statement reflects Ripple’s public approach to working with regulators rather than bypassing them.
The EMI license application in Luxembourg is being managed by Ripple Payments Europe SA, with support from senior legal and compliance staff. Chris Myers, Senior Counsel for EMEA operations, is listed as one of the company’s administrators and will oversee the licensing process with Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF).
Several job openings also signal Ripple’s growing presence in the region. These include positions for a product controller focused on payments and stablecoins, as well as anti-money laundering and compliance roles based in Luxembourg. These roles are part of Ripple’s efforts to ensure full operational readiness as it moves toward MiCA compliance.
Ripple RLUSD’s Global Progress Supports EU Plans
RLUSD has gained adoption beyond Europe, including in Dubai, where it is officially recognized as a crypto token. Ripple has also partnered with Alchemy Pay to allow users to buy RLUSD using over 300 local payment methods in more than 170 countries. This will help improve access and increase use of the stablecoin across global markets.
Trading volumes and market listings continue to grow. RLUSD has been added to exchanges such as Kraken, Bitstamp, Bitget, and Archax. It has reached a circulating supply of over $500 million, with daily trading volumes close to $94 million, according to CoinMarketCap data.
The stablecoin’s launch in Europe comes as governments worldwide introduce new crypto frameworks. In the United States, the recently passed GENIUS Act aims to provide national rules for stablecoins. Ripple’s expansion efforts show how RLUSD is being positioned to work under evolving global regulations while growing its user base.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
