Solana news: Mastercard Adds RLUSD Stablecoin for 24/7 Settlement Across Multiple Blockchains
Mastercard Expands Stablecoin Settlement Network
On 3 June, Mastercard announced the addition of RLUSD, Ripple’s regulated stablecoin, to its global settlement network. This enables 24/7 on-chain settlements for card-based transactions, including weekends and holidays. RLUSD joins other stablecoins such as USDC and PYUSD, and is now live across several blockchains, including Solana, Ethereum, and XRPL.
Supported Blockchains and Early Users
Mastercard’s settlement network now supports stablecoin settlements on Arbitrum, Base, Canton, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Tempo, and XRPL. Early adopters include ARQ, CBW Bank, Cross River, Lead Bank, and Nuvei, with initial rollout in the United States and Latin America. Wider expansion is planned for later in the year.
Real-World Utility and Industry Context
The move reflects a shift towards real-world utility for stablecoins, particularly in settlement where timing and liquidity are critical. Mastercard’s EVP of Blockchain & Digital Assets, Raj Dhamodharan, emphasised the importance of instant, cross-border transfers outside traditional banking hours. Ripple’s RLUSD aims to meet demand for regulated, trusted stablecoins on public blockchains.
Why This Matters for Solana and the UK
Solana’s inclusion in Mastercard’s settlement network highlights its growing relevance in global payments infrastructure. For the UK, this development signals potential for faster, more flexible settlement options, aligning with the country’s interest in digital finance innovation and regulatory clarity. UK-based payment providers and fintechs may benefit from increased interoperability and efficiency as stablecoin adoption expands.
