TLDR
- Ripple partnered with BNY Mellon in July 2025 to manage RLUSD stablecoin custody.
- RLUSD is a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin used for real-time bank settlements.
- Ripple’s custody service offers regulated storage for institutional digital assets.
- XRP now acts as a bridge currency in Ripple’s blockchain payment infrastructure.
Global banks are moving closer to blockchain, and Ripple is leading the shift. Its dual strategy — combining institutional-grade custody and a fiat-backed stablecoin — is creating a compliant path for banks to use digital assets. With its partnership with BNY Mellon and launch of RLUSD, Ripple is not offering speculation but building the financial rails that could power the next phase of global banking.
Institutional Custody as a Trust Anchor
Ripple’s decision to enter the digital asset custody space addresses one of the main barriers to blockchain adoption in finance. Institutional investors and banks often require secure and regulated storage before committing to blockchain-based assets. Ripple’s custody infrastructure is designed to meet this need.
In July 2025, Ripple announced a partnership with BNY Mellon to oversee the administration of its RLUSD stablecoin. BNY Mellon, one of the world’s largest custodians, brings traditional banking oversight to Ripple’s ecosystem. The integration allows financial institutions to store and move assets in a secure, compliant environment.
The custody solution offers not just storage but also governance and regulatory controls. These controls are essential for institutions that must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. By aligning with established banking standards, Ripple is removing trust concerns that previously held back broader blockchain use.
RLUSD Stablecoin: A Tool for Predictable Settlements
Ripple introduced the RLUSD stablecoin as part of its infrastructure for real-time settlements and treasury operations. Pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, RLUSD is designed to support large-value transfers without the volatility seen in other cryptocurrencies. This provides predictability for banks that require stability in cross-border payments.
The RLUSD stablecoin also fits into the current regulatory discussions around digital currencies. As central banks seek interoperability and oversight, RLUSD’s structure offers a centralized and monitored way to move digital dollars. Ripple’s ecosystem is built to support these goals, which aligns it with ongoing policy developments across global markets.
This structure gives banks a pathway to interact with digital assets while maintaining liquidity. It also supports Ripple’s broader push to enable fast, transparent financial operations through blockchain without depending on unregulated assets.
XRP’s Role in a Broader Infrastructure
With custody and RLUSD forming the core of Ripple’s infrastructure, XRP now plays a new role. Instead of being a speculative trading asset, it operates as a bridge currency. This function allows XRP to help convert between fiat currencies quickly and efficiently across Ripple’s network.
As banks adopt RLUSD and Ripple’s custody services, the demand for fast conversion grows. XRP becomes a tool within this system, used when instant settlement is required. This shift from speculation to utility may change how XRP is viewed by institutions.
Ripple is integrating this function into its back-end systems to support compliance, governance, and liquidity in one platform. This setup is appealing to institutions that need reliability and speed in cross-border operations.
A Shift in the Global Banking Landscape
Ripple’s infrastructure strategy aligns with global moves towards regulated blockchain systems. Financial authorities are beginning to clarify the legal structure for stablecoins and custody, making it easier for banks to enter the space. Ripple’s compliance with regulatory standards is opening doors for banks looking to transition to digital systems.
By working with trusted institutions like BNY Mellon, Ripple is bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology. This is allowing banks to adopt blockchain tools without taking unnecessary risks. The gradual acceptance of Ripple’s model is showing a change in how digital assets are seen in regulated environments.
A recent analysis from Xfinancebull referred to Ripple’s current move as a “slow-motion takeover.” The phrase refers to Ripple’s steady approach to building infrastructure instead of pushing speculative use. As this structure matures, it may become part of the global banking system’s core operations.
