Ripple Integrates RLUSD Stablecoin Into Cross-Border Payments System
By Shikha Singh
Ripple, an enterprise-focused blockchain service closely tied to the XRP Ledger (XRP), said on Wednesday it has integrated its stablecoin to the company’s cross-border payments system to boost adoption for Ripple USD (RLUSD).
Select Ripple Payments customers including cross-border payment providers BKK Forex and iSend are already using the stablecoin to improve their treasury operations, the company said. Ripple plans to further expand the token’s availability to payments customers.
Additionally, crypto exchange Kraken added RLUSD to its platform, following recent listings on LMAX and Bitstamp.
US House Committee Passes Stablecoin-Regulating STABLE Act
The US House Financial Services Committee has passed a Republican-backed stablecoin framework bill, which will now head to the House floor for a full vote.
The Committee passed the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy, or STABLE Act, with a 32-17 vote on April 2.
The bill would provide rules around payment stablecoins, a type of crypto token tied to a currency such as the US dollar, and aims to ensure issuers give information about their business and how they back their tokens.
Solana’s Jupiter Buys DRiP Haus, DeFi Exchange’s First NFT Play
Jupiter, Solana’s top DeFi exchange, has acquired the digital collectibles platform DRiP Haus to expand its NFT capabilities. DRiP Haus will continue to operate independently, with half of its team integrating NFT features into Jupiter’s platform.
The acquisition is part of Jupiter’s push to become what Jupiter’s Kash Dhanda calls the “Solana super app:” a home not only for traders of financial instruments like swaps and perps, but for digital culture connoisseurs too.
HBAR Foundation Joins Onlyfans Founder Startup To Bid On TikTok
Zoop, the social app created by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, and the HBAR Foundation have reportedly submitted a bid to purchase the video-sharing app TikTok in the United States.
According to an April 2 Reuters report, the HBAR Foundation and Zoop filed an intent to bid on TikTok with the Trump administration.
The bid will follow others from major technology companies, including Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, and Rumble, in an attempt to keep the video-sharing app’s services alive for US users.
PepeX Rises as Raydium (RAY) Dips 12% Amid Profit Taking
The crypto market remains volatile, with Bitcoin holding above $83k while Raydium (RAY) is down 12% this week. New competitor PepeX (PEPX) raised $1.2 million in its presale, positioning itself as an AI-powered meme coin launchpad that could challenge platforms like Pump.fun.
Raydium, a Solana-based DEX, faces competition from PumpSwap, Meteora, and Orca, which could affect its price and volume. Despite a recent price surge, RAY could dip further if it falls below $1.90.
PepeX’s presale has seen impressive gains, with its PEPX token seeing a 273% rise in Stage 4, making it an attractive investment if it launches in a bullish market.
While market sentiment is currently fearful (Fear and Greed Index at 24), there’s optimism if Bitcoin holds above $76.5k. This could mean challenges for RAY, with PEPX potentially outpacing it and other altcoins post-presale.
Digital Ruble Launch Postponed to Mid-2026
The hype around Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has cooled, with Russia delaying the launch of its Digital Ruble.
Initially set for July 2025, the launch has now been postponed to mid-2026 due to migration and security concerns. The Digital Ruble is currently in a pilot phase with 2,000 users and 50 businesses.
In Russia, crypto adoption is growing rapidly, with the number of crypto users expected to reach 25 million by the end of 2025.
However, the government is taxing crypto earnings at 13-15%, unlike countries like El Salvador and the UAE, which impose no taxes. Russia has also seen an influx of crypto miners, although power shortages have been a challenge.
Crypto Donations Top $1 bn in 2024, Gain Traction After Myanmar, Thailand Quake
Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao donated 1,000 BNB tokens (worth around $600,000) to disaster relief efforts for Thailand and Myanmar, following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28.
Zhao initially pledged 500 BNB, later doubling the donation. The earthquake caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage, with over 2,700 deaths in Myanmar and 18 in Thailand.
Crypto donations have become vital in such emergencies, as they bypass banking restrictions and infrastructure damage.
Crypto donations are increasingly popular, with $1 billion raised in 2024, and expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2025 as adoption grows.
Blockchain expert Anndy Lian emphasized the advantages of crypto donations in emergencies, citing fast transactions and direct delivery to recipients.
Kraken Secures Restricted Dealer Registration in Canada
Kraken has secured a Restricted Dealer registration in Canada, allowing it to better serve Canadian crypto investors while ensuring compliance with enhanced investor protection standards.
As part of the celebration, Kraken is offering free Interac e-Transfer deposits to Canadian clients. The company also appointed Cynthia Del Pozo as General Manager for North America.
With nearly 15 years of experience, Del Pozo will lead Kraken’s expansion in Canada, where 30% of investors currently hold crypto assets.
US Sanctions 8 Crypto Wallets Tied to Garantex Exchange & Yemeni Houthis
The US Treasury Department has sanctioned eight cryptocurrency wallet addresses linked to the Russian exchange Garantex and the Yemeni Houthi organization.
These addresses were involved in nearly $1 billion in transactions, primarily funding Houthi operations in Yemen and the Red Sea.
The sanctions highlight crypto’s role in geopolitical conflicts and terrorism financing, leading to increased scrutiny of decentralized platforms.
Garantex, previously sanctioned for money laundering activities, was shut down in March after Tether froze $27 million on the platform.
The exchange reportedly attempted to restart under a new name, “Grinex.” Additionally, Lithuanian national Aleksej Bešciokov, allegedly linked to Garantex, was arrested on charges related to money laundering and operating an unlicensed business.
CEX Listings Outperform Nasdaq & Dow IPOs With 80% Average Returns
Cryptocurrency listings on centralized exchanges (CEXs) have outperformed traditional stock listings in terms of returns on investment (ROI), despite criticism over the potential for manipulation.
According to a CoinMarketCap report, CEX listings had an average ROI of over 80% in the past 180 days, surpassing major stock indexes like the Nasdaq and Dow Jones.
Additionally, 68% of CEX-listed tokens saw positive ROI, outperforming the NYSE and Nasdaq.
The high demand for newly listed tokens on CEXs, due to increased liquidity, boosts their price performance.
However, token listing procedures have come under scrutiny, especially after allegations that Coinbase requested a large fee to list Tron (TRX), which Coinbase denied.
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