Ripple Labs is dealing with dealing with the legal complications pushed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Amid these challenges, the blockchain firm announced its entry into the stablecoin market with the launch of a US dollar backed stablecoin.
This move had let ta entry of Ripple in direct competition with stablecoin giants such as Tether and Circle. So why is Ripple launching a dollar-backed stablecoin in too competitive market? Let’s delve into this question.
Reason behind Ripple’s launch of stablecoin
Ripple’s decision to make a such big move can be linked to several factors. Firstly, stablecoins have gained popularity in the crypto space due to their stability and ability to maintain a fixed value.
The blockchain firm aims to provide stability and trust to its users. This stability is achieved by backing the stablecoin with a combination of highly reliable assets. This includes USD deposits, short-term US government treasuries, and other cash equivalents.
Additionally, launching a dollar-backed stablecoin allows Ripple to tap into the growing stablecoin market, which is currently valued at around $160 billion. It aims to provide a reliable and secure digital asset that can be used for multiple purposes within its ecosystem.
The stablecoin scene
To fully comprehend this move, it is crucial to understand the stablecoin scene and the different types of alternatives. These tokens have emerged as a solution to address the price volatility commonly linked with cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
These volatile price swings make them unreliable for everyday transactions and stores of value. On the other hand, these tokens are designed to maintain a stable value, providing users with a predictable haven within the crypto market.
Types of US pegged tokens
There are several types of dollar pegged coins in circulation, each with its own mechanism for maintaining stability.
Fiat-Collateralized stablecoins are backed by specific assets, such as a fiat currency or gold. They maintain their stability by holding reserves of the underlying asset in a bank account or through other custodial arrangements. An example of fiat-collateralized tokens is the USD Coin (USDC), which is fully backed by US dollars and dollar-denominated assets.
Crypto-collateralized stablecoins are backed by other cryptos. Users lock up a certain amount of crypto as collateral and receive tokens in return. The collateral acts as a guarantee for it’s value. However, this type of token is exposed to the volatility of the collateral crypto. An example of a crypto-collateralized stablecoin is Dai, which is backed by Ethereum.
Non-Collateralized (Algorithmic) stablecoins do not rely on any specific asset as collateral. Instead, their stability is maintained through algorithmic mechanisms. Such as expanding or contracting the supply based on market demand.
These stablecoins aim to achieve stability through smart contract protocols. However, this approach poses certain risks, as the stability is dependent on the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm.
Ripple vs SEC case
In recent years, the crypto market has faced increased scrutiny and regulation. One of the most prominent legal battles within this industry is the Ripple vs SEC case.
Ripple has found itself in a legal dispute with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the classification of its digital asset, XRP. This case has major implications not only for Ripple but also for the broader crypto market.
The lawsuit revolves around the question of whether XRP should be classified as a security, as defined by US securities laws. The SEC alleges that the firm conducted an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP tokens to investors in the United States and worldwide.
On the other hand, the defendants contests that its XRP sales to accredited investors and through On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) agreements did not breach securities laws. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching consequences for the cryptocurrency industry, as it could potentially set a precedent for how other digital assets are regulated.
The uncertainty surrounding the legal status of XRP in the Ripple vs SEC case has prompted Ripple to explore alternative avenues for growth and development. One such initiative is the launch of a dollar-backed stablecoin.
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that is designed to minimize price volatility by pegging its value to a stable asset, such as a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar. This provides users with the benefits of cryptocurrencies, such as speed and efficiency in cross-border transactions, without the inherent volatility associated with other digital assets.
By launching a dollar-backed stablecoin, Ripple aims to diversify its product offerings and mitigate the risks associated with the outcome of the Ripple vs SEC case. It allows Ripple to expand its presence in the cryptocurrency market and cater to the growing demand for stable digital assets. The introduction of a stablecoin also aligns with Ripple’s overall mission to revolutionize cross-border payments and make them more efficient and accessible to users worldwide.
