Ripple Partners with Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini to Launch RLUSD Stablecoin Settlement for Streamlined Card Payments

Ripple, a noteworthy player in the blockchain industry, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with prominent financial entities Mastercard, WebBank, and Gemini. This collaboration aims to streamline settlement processes using the RLUSD stablecoin, effectively combining cutting-edge blockchain technology with traditional fiat card payments, paving the way for a seamless consumer experience.

Mastercard has highlighted the importance of this venture in modernizing payment ecosystems. By incorporating Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin on the XRP Ledger, the project seeks to facilitate faster, more transparent, and compliant transactions. Notably, this initiative will support the settlement functionality for the Gemini Credit Card. This strategic move, announced during the Ripple Swell 2025 event, embodies a new standard of institutional settlement by integrating regulated digital assets with the well-established financial framework.

The project sees Ripple working closely with Mastercard and WebBank to explore the potential of RLUSD in settling transactions. WebBank, responsible for issuing the Gemini Credit Card, plays a crucial role in this process. The endeavor is designed to enhance the traditional payment flows through the deployment of blockchain technology without disturbing the existing user experience. An initial emphasis has been placed on incorporating RLUSD into Mastercard and WebBank’s settlement mechanisms, with a focus on achieving regulatory compliance.

Mastercard’s involvement in this initiative reflects its broader strategy toward integrating regulated digital assets. The company stresses the importance of robust consumer protection and regulatory clarity in any stablecoin implementation. This partnership serves as an experimental ground for Mastercard to explore open-loop stablecoin settlement, while maintaining the safety standards synonymous with its global network. Ripple’s recent success in securing approximately $510 million in funding underscores the company’s rapid growth and innovative pursuits in the financial industry.

WebBank has expressed optimism regarding the intersection of blockchain technology and conventional finance. As a financial institution, it sees the potential for stablecoin settlements to facilitate more efficient fund transfers while ensuring reliability. This collaboration allows WebBank to delve into the next phase of digital settlements alongside reliable partners.

From Gemini’s perspective, this partnership reinforces its commitment to blockchain by introducing RLUSD settlement to its credit card model. The company perceives blockchain integration as a means to transition digital assets beyond trading platforms into the realm of everyday consumer transactions. The vision is to link consumer spending with efficient on-chain settlement seamlessly, without altering the shopping habits of cardholders.

Monica Long, President of Ripple, emphasizes the growing recognition among global institutions regarding the transformative power of blockchain-based settlement. She identifies RLUSD and the XRP Ledger as pivotal in transforming the flow of money within financial systems, reflecting Ripple’s recent treasury activities and large-scale financial movements.

The collaboration aims to demonstrate how regulated digital assets can enrich card settlement programs in terms of speed and stability. Ripple emphasizes the XRP Ledger’s ability to offer rapid transaction processing and minimal fees, endorsing its suitability for institutional payment systems. The partnership is anticipated to encourage more card programs to explore stablecoin settlement, accelerating the financial industry’s shift towards faster and more transparent payment solutions.

Overall, this venture signifies a significant step towards integrating advanced blockchain solutions within traditional financial frameworks. By leveraging the RLUSD stablecoin with recognized financial institutions, Ripple endeavors to stay at the forefront of financial innovation, encouraging widespread adoption of digital assets in everyday transactions. The company, along with its partners, aims to set a precedent for future collaborations, driving the financial industry into a new era of efficiency and security.