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Ripple has agreed to acquire Rail, a stablecoin-powered global payments platform, for $200 million as it seeks to strengthen its position in the digital asset payments market.
The acquisition will combine Ripple's existing payments network with Rail's virtual accounts and automated back-office infrastructure. Ripple operates one of the world's most widely used digital asset payment networks and holds more than 60 licences for managing compliant payment flows.
Rail has built a platform that enables businesses to settle international payments using stablecoins - cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional currencies like the US dollar. The company is forecasted to process over 10 per cent of the $36 billion global business-to-business stablecoin payments market in 2025.
"Stablecoins are quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern finance, and with Rail, we are uniquely positioned to drive the next phase of innovation and adoption of stablecoins and blockchain in global payments," said Monica Long, Ripple President. "Ripple has one of the most widely used digital asset payment networks in the world, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to helping our global customer base to move money wherever and whenever they need."
The combined entity will offer comprehensive stablecoin payment services across key corridors, including USD payments, without requiring customers to hold cryptocurrency on their balance sheets. The platform will support payments across various digital assets including RLUSD, XRP and others through a single API.
Rail's infrastructure includes virtual accounts that allow customers to transact with digital assets without opening dedicated cryptocurrency bank accounts or wallets on centralised exchanges. The platform operates through partnerships with more than 12 banks, providing redundancy for international money transfers.
"Over the last four years, Rail built the fastest way to settle business payments internationally using stablecoins, and in 2025, Rail is forecasted to process over 10% of the $36B global B2B stablecoin payments. Ripple shares our vision, and together, we're excited to bring our innovation to the millions of businesses that move money internationally," said Bhanu Kohli, Rail Chief Executive Officer.
Ripple has invested over $3 billion in acquisitions and strategic opportunities to date as it expands through mergers and acquisitions. The Rail acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The deal comes as demand for stablecoin-based payment flows continues to rise, with businesses seeking faster and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional cross-border payment systems that can take days to settle.
