Ripple’s newly introduced stablecoin, RLUSD, is steadily gaining traction in the crypto space. Its latest milestone is a high-profile listing on Gemini, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron. This move signals broader acceptance of RLUSD in the digital asset landscape and reflects growing institutional interest in Ripple’s evolving ecosystem.

The statement was made by Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, who took to social media to share the news. Gemini’s decision to support RLUSD follows earlier listings by exchanges like Bullish, Bitstamp, and LMAX Digital. The support from Gemini, a platform known for its regulatory compliance and robust infrastructure, further solidifies RLUSD’s position in the competitive stablecoin market.

Introduced in December 2024, RLUSD is Ripple’s answer to the growing demand for blockchain-native, fiat-pegged digital currencies. The stablecoin is minted on two blockchains: the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. While both networks support the asset, Ethereum has so far been the more active chain for RLUSD issuance. As of early May 2025, RLUSD has found its way into multiple trading platforms and DeFi protocols, despite only a few months in circulation.

Interestingly, the pace of RLUSD minting has slowed recently. According to blockchain monitoring data, the last issuance occurred on April 25, when three separate batches totaling 38 million RLUSD were created. On the same day, Ripple also burned 15 million RLUSD, suggesting a strategy focused on controlled supply and potential adjustments to liquidity needs. Since that activity, no new RLUSD has been minted, leaving the current circulating supply at approximately 317 million tokens, per CoinMarketCap.

Beyond market activity, Ripple is also leveraging RLUSD for social impact. In a gesture aimed at education reform, Ripple introduced a $25 million donation in RLUSD to support U.S. schools and teachers. The funds were directed toward two major nonprofit organizations: DonorsChoose and Teach For America. This move was timed with Teacher Appreciation Week and highlighted Ripple’s broader commitment to community investment and educational development.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the company’s goal of supporting classrooms across the country. He expressed hope that Ripple’s initiative would encourage other large tech and blockchain firms to contribute to similar causes. The donation is set to fund thousands of classroom projects and educator-driven initiatives, addressing resource gaps in underserved communities.

Teach For America’s CEO, Aneesh Sohoni, welcomed the donation, noting that it will bolster several of the organization’s key programs. These include the Ignite Tutoring Fellows initiative and the Reinvention Lab, which seeks to explore innovative education solutions. Sohoni also confirmed that the funding would provide critical financial assistance to new teachers preparing to enter the workforce, making it a timely boost for educational infrastructure.

This philanthropic use of RLUSD reflects Ripple’s vision of positioning the stablecoin not just as a transactional asset but also as a tool for social good. It demonstrates how stablecoins can be integrated into real-world applications beyond financial markets, helping bridge the gap between emerging technologies and community support initiatives.

The Gemini listing, combined with Ripple’s educational donation, signals a two-pronged strategy: expand RLUSD’s market presence while reinforcing Ripple’s reputation as a socially conscious innovator. It also raises RLUSD’s visibility among U.S. users, given Gemini’s strong user base and regulatory standing. The platform’s endorsement may pave the way for more institutions and retail users to explore RLUSD as an alternative to traditional stablecoins.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of RLUSD will depend on multiple factors, including broader adoption, stablecoin regulations, and continued integration within Ripple’s payment ecosystem. For now, its growing exchange support and meaningful use cases suggest that RLUSD is well-positioned for further growth in the stablecoin sector. Whether through exchange listings or charitable impact, Ripple’s new stablecoin appears to be gaining both momentum and credibility in the evolving digital economy.