USDT’s European Retreat: How Ripple’s RLUSD Is Capitalizing on MiCA Regulations

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations have dramatically reshaped the stablecoin market, forcing Tether’s USDT to exit major exchanges in the region. With stringent requirements such as bans on interest payouts, mandatory cash reserves, and EU banking ties, the $150 billion stablecoin giant found the new rules too restrictive. In this vacuum, Ripple’s RLUSD has emerged as a potential successor, with Bitstamp’s recent listing positioning it as a prime candidate to dominate the European stablecoin market. This article explores the implications of MiCA, USDT’s exit, and RLUSD’s rising prominence in the evolving crypto landscape.

Ripple’s RLUSD Poised to Replace USDT in Europe After MiCA Shake-Up

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations have triggered a seismic shift in the stablecoin landscape, with Tether’s USDT exiting major exchanges across the region. The stringent requirements—including bans on interest payouts, mandatory cash reserves, and EU banking ties—proved too restrictive for the $150 billion stablecoin giant.

Bitstamp’s listing of Ripple’s RLUSD positions it as the prime contender to fill the liquidity void. "Tether took one look and said, ’we’re out,’" noted crypto analyst Jake Claver, underscoring the abrupt withdrawal of Europe’s most traded stablecoin. The move leaves RLUSD as the likely beneficiary in one of the world’s largest crypto markets.

Binance Lists World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) Stablecoin with Zero Listing Fee

Binance continues its expansion into fiat-backed stablecoins with the listing of World Liberty Financial USD (USD1), a new regulatory-compliant digital asset pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Trading for the USD1/USDT pair commences May 22, 2025, at 15:00 local time, following deposit availability. Withdrawals go live 24 hours later.

The exchange notably waived listing fees for USD1, a policy increasingly applied to compliant stablecoins. BitGo Trust Company provides third-party auditing and custody services, reinforcing the token’s credibility. Market observers note the stablecoin’s ties to the TRUMP family could drive institutional interest in blockchain-based dollar instruments.

U.S. Stablecoin Bill Progress May Ignite Multi-Year Crypto Bull Market: Bitwise

The U.S. Senate’s advancement of the GENIUS Act could pave the way for the first major crypto legislation this summer, potentially triggering a sustained bull market. Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan calls this development potentially more significant than January 2024’s spot Bitcoin ETF approvals.

Stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to assets like the U.S. dollar—serve as foundational infrastructure for crypto markets and global remittances. Their regulatory clarity through this bill may unlock institutional participation at scale.