A partnership between BlackRock, Mastercard, Gemini, and Ripple recently 
completed tests using a regulated stablecoin to settle card payments on the 
XRP Ledger. This move shows how traditional financial giants are shifting from 
watching blockchain technology to actually putting it to work. Related 
Reading: XRP Poised To Dominate New DeFi Cycle, XRPL Validator Says The trial 
focused on RLUSD, a stablecoin designed to help banks process payments with 
more transparency and speed than current systems allow. Major Institutions 
Explore Blockchain Infrastructure Ripple executive Odelia Torteman shared 
details about these developments during a recent industry forum in London. 
While many people view XRP as a token for trading, firms like BlackRock and 
Franklin Templeton are looking at the underlying ledger as a tool for 
institutional finance. The network was built to handle cross-border 
transactions and move multiple types of assets at once. It includes a built-in 
decentralized exchange and an automated market maker. These features allow 
large companies to trade and move value without being fully reliant on 
traditional middlemen. Last September, Franklin Templeton joined forces with 
Ripple and DBS Bank to introduce new ways to lend and trade. They used money 
market funds that were turned into digital tokens to increase liquidity. By 
combining these tokens with regulated stablecoins, the firms aim to make 
capital move more efficiently while staying within legal rules. This approach 
helps build trust for large investors who are often wary of the volatile 
nature of the broader crypto market. BlackRock And Ripple Link Investment 
Funds Reports indicate that the reach of this technology is expanding into the 
world of Treasury products. Ripple worked with Securitize to create a system 
where investors in BlackRock’s BUIDL fund can turn their holdings into RLUSD. 
This setup allows for liquidity 24 hours a day through the use of smart 
contracts. Normally, pulling money out of these types of funds can take time 
and only happens during banking hours. This new method changes that by 
allowing constant access to funds. Future Growth For Bridge Assets Data shows 
that the XRP Ledger is being positioned as a primary choice for firms that 
need to meet strict identity and compliance standards. It uses &#8220;trust lines&#8221; 
and specific tools to handle know-your-customer requirements. Related Reading: 
$1.4 Billion Pours Into Crypto — What’s Driving The Surge? It is evident that 
the actual application of XRP is changing as more institutions start 
participating in its operations. The coin has traditionally been used for 
speculative purposes by individual traders through exchanges; however, it is 
currently being applied as a technical medium of liquidity. As a digital 
asset, XRP acts as a mediator for banks and facilitates transactions in 
various forms of value worldwide in a matter of seconds. Featured image from 
The Wall Street Experience, chart from TradingView

BlackRock And Mastercard Turn To XRP Ledger In DeFi Power Play

Russia&#8217;s crypto bill could boost Bitcoin demand, influencing global market 
dynamics and potentially increasing institutional interest.
The post Russia&#8217;s State Duma passes crypto bill, Bitcoin demand may rise 
appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Russia’s State Duma passes crypto bill, Bitcoin demand may rise

The attack undermines diplomatic efforts, increasing regional tensions and 
complicating prospects for a US-Iran ceasefire agreement.
The post IRGC gunboat attacks container ship off Oman amid ceasefire extension 
appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

IRGC gunboat attacks container ship off Oman amid ceasefire extension

HackerOne, one of the largest bug bounty platforms in the world, reported 
there were 85,000 valid bounty submissions in 2025, up 7% from the previous 
year.

AI drives surge in ‘bug bounty’ reports, but the ‘slop’ is rising too

Umbra took its front end offline after about $800,000 in stolen funds moved 
through the protocol during ongoing recovery efforts.

Cryptocurrency price in SEK