Ripple is accelerating the global expansion of its dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD after announcing three new partnerships in Türkiye, one of the world’s most active cryptocurrency markets. Through agreements with local digital asset platforms BiLira, Bitexen, and Bitlo, Ripple is bringing its enterprise-focused stablecoin directly to Turkish institutions and businesses seeking access to regulated digital dollar liquidity. The move marks another major milestone in Ripple’s effort to position RLUSD as a leading stablecoin for payments, tokenization, and institutional finance.
The expansion comes as RLUSD continues gaining momentum globally, reaching approximately $1.7 billion in market capitalization less than two years after launching in late 2024. Ripple says growing demand for regulated and compliance-focused stablecoins is driving adoption among both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native businesses.
Why Turkey Matters
Ripple views Türkiye as one of the most important crypto markets in the world. According to data cited by the company, the country processes nearly $200 billion in annual crypto transaction volume, making it the largest digital asset market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The country’s rapid crypto adoption has been fueled by a combination of inflation concerns, currency volatility, and increasing interest in dollar-denominated assets. At the same time, Türkiye introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital asset providers in 2024, creating greater legal clarity for blockchain companies and institutional participants.
Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, described Türkiye as a market that sits at the crossroads of traditional finance and the digital economy, making it a natural destination for RLUSD’s next phase of growth.
Three Local Partners Expand RLUSD Access
Rather than entering the market independently, Ripple partnered with three established Turkish crypto platforms that already serve local users and institutions. BiLira, known for its Turkish lira stablecoin TRYB and OTC services, will make RLUSD available to clients seeking access to regulated digital dollars. Bitexen, which operates across Türkiye, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, plans to integrate RLUSD into its broader global infrastructure for USD-denominated digital assets.
Bitlo, one of Turkey’s leading exchanges, says RLUSD will provide users with a secure way to access dollar-based liquidity and hedge against economic volatility. Together, the partnerships give Ripple immediate access to a large and rapidly growing crypto ecosystem while allowing local institutions to utilize RLUSD for payments, treasury management, settlement, and tokenization initiatives.
RLUSD Continues Growing Globally
Since launching in late 2024, RLUSD has emerged as one of the fastest-growing stablecoins in the market. Ripple designed the asset specifically for enterprise and institutional use cases, focusing on regulatory compliance, transparency, and interoperability with traditional financial systems.
The stablecoin is increasingly being used for:
- Cross-border payments
- Tokenized asset settlement
- Treasury management
- Collateral operations
- Institutional liquidity management
Ripple says RLUSD’s growth demonstrates strong demand for stablecoins that combine blockchain efficiency with regulatory oversight. The asset is already available on major global exchanges including Binance, Kraken, Gemini, Bybit, Bitstamp, OKX, and Bitso, giving it a rapidly expanding international footprint.
Ripple Expands Beyond Payments
Alongside the RLUSD launch, Ripple also announced a new partnership with Istanbul Technical University (ITU)through its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI). The collaboration will fund blockchain research, graduate fellowships, and establish an XRP Ledger validator directly on campus.
The initiative reflects Ripple’s broader strategy of investing in blockchain education and infrastructure while helping develop future talent within emerging digital asset markets. Funding for the program will be provided through RLUSD, further expanding the stablecoin’s utility beyond payments and financial services.
Stablecoin Competition Is Heating Up
Ripple’s expansion into Türkiye comes at a time when competition among stablecoin issuers is intensifying. Companies including Circle, Tether, PayP
