Gate exchange has added trading pairs for Ripple's dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD, pairing it with XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. The listing went live on June 15, and the exchange also activated a rewards program tied to the new pairs.
What RLUSD brings to Gate
RLUSD is Ripple's stablecoin, designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. By listing it alongside XRP, BTC, ETH, and USDT, Gate gives traders a direct on-ramp between RLUSD and some of the most liquid digital assets. Ripple said the XRP/RLUSD pair in particular unlocks interoperability and capital efficiency for digital asset markets. The company didn't elaborate on specific use cases, but the pair allows users to move between Ripple's native token and its stablecoin without needing an intermediate asset.
Rewards program goes live
Alongside the listing, Gate launched a rewards program that is already active. The exchange has not disclosed the program's duration or the total reward pool. Traders using the new pairs may qualify for incentives, though Gate hasn't published the full terms. The move is part of a broader push by exchanges to attract liquidity for stablecoin pairs, especially those backed by established issuers like Ripple.
Why the XRP/RLUSD pair matters
Ripple has positioned RLUSD as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain-based payments. The XRP/RLUSD pair is central to that vision, allowing near-instant settlement without relying on bank correspondent networks. For Gate users, the pair offers a way to trade XRP against a stablecoin that is directly issued by Ripple, rather than through third-party stablecoins like USDT or USDC. That could reduce counterparty risk for some traders, though Ripple's own reserves and audits will remain a factor.
The listing comes as stablecoin competition heats up. Circle's USDC and Tether's USDT dominate trading volumes, but RLUSD has been gaining traction on select exchanges. Gate's decision to add four pairs at once signals confidence in RLUSD's liquidity and regulatory standing. Ripple has said RLUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits and short-term Treasuries, with monthly attestations from an independent accounting firm.
Gate has not announced whether additional RLUSD pairs will follow. The exchange's rewards program may be a short-term incentive to boost early volume. Traders will be watching whether RLUSD maintains its peg during periods of market stress — a test that has tripped up other stablecoins in the past.
