XRP Ledger Executive Explains Why RLUSD Cannot Replace XRP as Stablecoin Adoption Grows
XRP and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin serve different purposes within the XRP Ledger, according to Vet, an executive at the XRP Ledger Foundation. While RLUSD offers price stability for businesses and financial operations, XRP remains integral to the network’s transaction fees, account reserves, decentralized exchange infrastructure, and cross-asset liquidity.
According to In a post on X, Vet outlined the technical differences between the two assets, arguing that the growth of stablecoins does not eliminate XRP’s underlying functions. The distinction centers on how each asset operates within the ledger and the different financial needs they address.
Why XRP Remains Essential to the XRP Ledger
One of the main differences is how the two assets are controlled. Ripple issues RLUSD under applicable United States regulations and can freeze tokens in certain circumstances. XRP, by contrast, has no central issuer with equivalent authority to freeze individual account balances.
XRP also serves mandatory functions within the network. Every XRP Ledger account must maintain an XRP reserve, and users pay transaction fees in XRP. RLUSD does not replace these requirements, even when users increasingly adopt the stablecoin for payments and other financial activities.
 |
| Source: Vet |
The cryptocurrency also plays a distinct role in the XRP Ledger’s decentralized exchange. According to Vet, the network can evaluate whether routing a transaction through XRP offers a better conversion rate than alternative paths. This functionality allows XRP to connect liquidity between different assets, including currencies that do not have direct trading pairs.
By providing a potential intermediary between assets, XRP can help facilitate cross-currency transactions without requiring every asset pair to maintain its own direct market. Its role in this process is separate from the payment and settlement use cases associated with stablecoins.
RLUSD Offers Price Stability for Business Payments
RLUSD has a different advantage: price stability. Vet identified this characteristic as particularly useful for businesses managing payroll, invoices, and operating expenses, where predictable payment values can be more practical than assets subject to market fluctuations.
XRP, meanwhile, appeals to traders and liquidity providers who are prepared to accept cryptocurrency price volatility. Market makers can use XRP to move liquidity between different pools without relying entirely on centrally issued tokens, although they remain exposed to changes in XRP’s market price.
This distinction also affects counterparty risk. Using XRP as an intermediary can reduce dependence on a centralized token issuer for certain liquidity-routing activities. However, that does not remove the market risks associated with holding or trading XRP.
The two assets therefore address different requirements. RLUSD is designed to maintain a stable value relative to the US dollar, while XRP provides native network functionality and can serve as a bridge asset for transactions involving different currencies or tokens.
Binance Restores RLUSD Withdrawals After Reported Security Breach
The discussion comes as Binance restores withdrawal services following a security breach on October 29. The incident was associated with an estimated $6.3 billion in cryptocurrency theft, according to the source material, and disrupted withdrawal services across several networks.
 |
| Source: Binance |
Binance began restoring withdrawals on November 1, initially prioritizing major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. The exchange subsequently expanded support to RLUSD and several other dollar-backed stablecoins.
The restoration of RLUSD withdrawals through Ethereum allows Binance customers to transfer the stablecoin again following the temporary suspension. However, the expansion of RLUSD’s availability on the exchange does not change XRP’s required functions within the XRP Ledger itself.
XRP and RLUSD Serve Complementary Roles
Vet’s explanation emphasizes that XRP and RLUSD are not direct substitutes across every use case. Businesses can favor RLUSD when price predictability is important, while XRP continues to support the ledger’s reserve requirements, transaction fees, and liquidity-routing mechanisms.
Growing stablecoin adoption could contribute to activity across the XRP Ledger ecosystem without removing the need for its native asset. The two assets can support different financial applications while retaining distinct technical and economic characteristics.
Writer: Marcus RenfieldCrypto Market Analyst & Onchain WriterMarcus Renfield covers cryptocurrency markets with a focus on onchain data, Bitcoin price action, and emerging market narratives. His writing examines how capital flows, network activity, and broader market structure influence short- and medium-term trends.He aims to provide clear, data-informed analysis for readers seeking a deeper understanding of crypto market dynamics.