The stablecoin sector, once a quiet corner of the crypto world, is now stealing the spotlight. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts the market will grow nearly tenfold, from $250 billion to $2 trillion in just a few years. Speaking to CNBC, he called this shift “profound,” pointing to rising institutional demand and the long-awaited clarity around regulations now falling into place.
This projection echoes U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who recently said that dollar-linked stablecoins could hit $2 trillion and play a key role in strengthening the U.S. dollar’s global dominance. With bipartisan support growing in Congress, the expansion of stablecoins seems inevitable.
Garlinghouse acknowledged that Ripple may have joined the stablecoin race later than others, but emphasized that the decision was strategic. Ripple had been using third-party stablecoins for years and chose to launch its own, RLUSD, only after recognizing the increasing demand for enterprise-ready, compliant solutions.
Launched in late 2024, RLUSD has already made significant strides. This week, it crossed the $500 million market cap milestone and is now custodied by traditional finance giant BNY Mellon. RLUSD also got a major boost as Transak integrated it into its platform. Now, Transak’s 8.3 million users can buy RLUSD using various fiat currencies, expanding its reach and accessibility. Though Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) still lead the stablecoin market, new developments are pushing Ripple’s RLUSD to gain traction with fresh approaches and growing institutional support.
One major factor unlocking this growth is the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides a clear framework for issuing and regulating stablecoins in the U.S. Industry leaders say this could supercharge adoption.
Apollo Capital’s Henrik Andersson supports this outlook, pointing out that companies like Amazon and Walmart are beginning to explore stablecoin-based payments, another sign that a multi-trillion-dollar market is within reach.
Ripple is also going further. It has applied for a U.S. national bank charter and a Federal Reserve Master Account, aiming to closely connect traditional finance with blockchain. The ongoing push for the CLARITY Act and other bills adds further momentum toward clear legal standards.
As regulation fuels confidence, crypto markets are responding. XRP surged 7% this week, hitting a seven-week high of $2.42. Ethereum reached $2,771, while Solana climbed to $157, highlighting how stablecoin advancements are driving renewed enthusiasm across the crypto space.
Ripple strategically launched RLUSD in late 2024 after years of using third-party stablecoins. The decision was driven by increasing institutional demand for enterprise-ready, compliant solutions, and the emerging regulatory clarity in the U.S.
The growing confidence fueled by stablecoin regulation is positively impacting the broader crypto market. XRP surged 7% to a seven-week high of $2.42, Ethereum reached $2,771, and Solana climbed to $157, indicating renewed enthusiasm across the crypto space.
The GENIUS Act establishes a comprehensive federal framework for stablecoin issuance, mandating 1:1 reserve backing with liquid assets, regular public disclosures, and robust consumer protections. This clarity instills confidence for institutional adoption. The Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act is another key bill aiming to define jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC for digital assets, further solidifying the regulatory landscape.
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