Ripple is acquiring Rail, a Toronto-based stablecoin payments platform backed by Galaxy Ventures and Accomplice, for $200 million. This strategic move aims to enhance Ripple's stablecoin payments solution, leveraging Rail's technology to provide faster and cheaper cross-border transactions. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

*Key Highlights:*

- *Expanded Stablecoin Capabilities*: The acquisition will integrate Rail's payment infrastructure, enabling Ripple to offer comprehensive stablecoin pay-ins and pay-outs across major corridors.

- *Boost to RLUSD*: The deal will likely enhance the utility of Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin, which recently surpassed $500 million in circulating supply.

- *Regulatory Alignment*: The acquisition comes after the US passed the GENIUS Act, establishing a federal framework for dollar-backed crypto coins, and the SEC released updated staff guidance for stablecoin accounting rules.

- *Ripple's Growth Strategy*: This acquisition follows Ripple's $1.25 billion purchase of Hidden Road and its application for a US banking license, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its stablecoin infrastructure.