Ripple’s RLUSD launch has pushed the company’s valuation to $40 billion right now, and this marks a pivotal moment for institutional stablecoin adoption. The Ripple RLUSD launch comes alongside strategic partnerships with Mastercard, Gemini, and also WebBank, bringing blockchain-based settlement to traditional credit card payments. These announcements were made at Ripple Swell 2025, where the company demonstrated how RLUSD operates on the XRP Ledger to facilitate faster fiat payment settlements.

Ripple RLUSD Launch Spurs Valuation Surge and Mastercard, Gemini Deals

The Ripple valuation reached $40 billion following a $500 million funding round that was led by Citadel Securities and Fortress Investment Group, along with other investors. This valuation surge coincided with the Ripple RLUSD launch partnerships that position the stablecoin for mainstream adoption. The collaboration enables WebBank. This is the issuer of the Gemini Credit Card, to settle Mastercard transactions using RLUSD on the XRP Ledger.

CEO Brad Garlinghouse said:

“the cherry on top of a mountain of good news”

Sherri Haymond, Global Head of Digital Commercialization at Mastercard, stated:

“Through our partnerships with Ripple, Gemini, and WebBank, we’re using our global payments network to bring regulated, open-loop stablecoin payments into the financial mainstream. Guided by our commitment to consumer choice and a principled approach to stablecoins—one that emphasizes strong consumer protections, a level playing field, and full regulatory compliance—we’re enabling settlement today while exploring how stablecoins can support future use cases.”

Also Read: Ripple XRP, Mastercard Add RLUSD Credit Settlements on Ledger

Blockchain Technology Meets Traditional Payment Systems

The Mastercard partnership actually transforms how credit card settlements function by introducing blockchain technology to traditional payment rails. The Gemini stablecoin integration through the Gemini XRP Credit Card demonstrates real-world application of RLUSD for consumer transactions. This even represents one of the first instances where a regulated U.S. bank settles card payments using a stablecoin on a public blockchain.

Jason Lloyd, President and CEO of WebBank, said:

“Our collaboration with Mastercard, Gemini, and Ripple, allows us to explore how stablecoins like RLUSD can make institutional payments faster and more efficiently while maintaining the security and dependability customers expect from banks.”

Dan Chen, Chief Financial Officer at Gemini, stated:

“Through the Gemini Credit Card, we’re advancing the way that digital assets are integrated into everyday spending. In this next phase of the collaboration, we’re demonstrating how stablecoin settlement can be applied to an active card program, connecting blockchain innovation to real consumer payments.”

The Ripple RLUSD launch with Mastercard and partners signals a new era for blockchain-based payments in traditional finance.