USDC, the world’s second-largest stablecoin by market cap, has officially launched on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), and it’s already shaking up the industry. Ripple advocate and CryptoLaw founder John Deaton hailed the move as a major milestone—one that could reshape the stablecoin landscape.
So, what does this mean for XRP, Ripple, and the broader crypto ecosystem?
Let’s break it down.
Why USDC on XRPL Is a Big Deal
USDC currently holds a market cap of $61 billion, trailing only Tether ($155B). With this launch, developers and institutions can mint and redeem USDC directly on XRPL, unlocking new possibilities for payments, DeFi, and enterprise adoption.
XRPL is already known for ultra-fast transactions and low fees, and now it has a highly liquid and regulated stablecoin to boost its real-world use cases.
John Deaton Reacts: “A Win for XRP and Ripple”
Ripple’s long-time legal ally John Deaton celebrated the move, calling it a “significant step” for both XRPL and the entire XRP ecosystem.
His message is clear: This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a power move.
Ripple vs Circle? Stablecoin Rivalry Heats Up
Some experts suggest that Circle’s move to launch USDC on XRPL might be a strategic push to challenge Ripple’s dominance in global payments.
Rumors even hint at a rejected $5 billion acquisition offer from Ripple to Circle—a bold play that never went through. Now, Circle seems to be collaborating, not competing, by building on Ripple’s blockchain instead.
Regardless, the launch is expected to boost XRPL adoption and bring more innovation to the ecosystem.
DeFi Surge on XRPL: Is a Price Rally Coming?
DeFi activity on XRPL is already on the rise.
- TVL in early Sept 2024: $14.21M
- Late Sept 2024: $67.66M
- Mid-Jan 2025: $87.27M
- Current TVL: $56.61M
This growth in Total Value Locked (TVL) is a positive signal for investors, often correlating with increased demand and rising token prices.
In fact, XRP has surged 339.8% over the past year, outperforming both Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- September 2024: +7.98%
- January 2025: +46%
Stablecoin Ecosystem on XRPL: Who’s Dominating?
The total stablecoin market cap on XRPL stands at $91.06 million, with USDC entering the arena:
- RLUSD: $85.88M (94.32% dominance)
- TBILL: $5.18M (5.68% dominance)
The ecosystem saw a 37.82% jump in 7 days, and with USDC now in the mix, the competition and liquidity could soon surge.
Final Thoughts: Is XRPL Becoming a Stablecoin Powerhouse?
With USDC’s integration, XRPL strengthens its position as a go-to blockchain for stablecoins, institutional payments, and decentralized finance. The move is seen as a strategic turning point for Ripple and its entire network—one that could shape the future of enterprise blockchain adoption.
