VivoPower International has announced that its electric vehicle subsidiary, Tembo e-LV, will begin accepting payments in RLUSD, a stablecoin issued by Ripple Labs. This strategic decision is designed to tackle the hurdles associated with traditional international wire transfers, notably in developing markets where Tembo operates.
RLUSD is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and is fully backed by USD deposits, short-term U.S. treasuries, and cash equivalents. This structure provides the stability that is often absent in cryptocurrencies, which can be volatile. The adoption of RLUSD is expected to facilitate near-instantaneous transactions at significantly reduced costs compared to conventional banking methods.
The announcement comes at a time when RLUSD’s market capitalization has surged tenfold since early 2025, underscoring its growing acceptance within the global financial ecosystem. This increase not only highlights the demand for more efficient transaction methods but also marks a shift toward more innovative business practices.
Tembo’s operations span diverse regions, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where efficient banking infrastructure is often lacking. By embracing RLUSD, VivoPower is looking to improve transactional efficiency while also addressing key pain points such as excessive lead times and associated costs of international wire transfers.
This initiative signals more than just a desire to reduce expenses; it positions VivoPower at the forefront of enterprise blockchain adoption. The use of a regulated stablecoin like RLUSD could unlock new opportunities in regions where traditional banking presents barriers to commerce.
The move aligns with VivoPower’s broader goal of advancing enterprise-ready digital assets that meet compliance standards. As the company seeks to enhance its treasury strategies, the acceptance of RLUSD will support innovation in decentralized finance and digital asset management.
VivoPower aims to offer improved transaction efficiency and lower fees, facilitating smoother operations for its global customers and partners. This development reflects a significant shift in the way companies can leverage blockchain technology to overcome real-world challenges associated with financial transactions in developing markets.
By implementing RLUSD, VivoPower not only enhances its transactional capabilities but also reflects a growing trend toward digitalization and the need for businesses to adapt to a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The anticipated benefits of reduced costs and increased speed of transactions underscore the potential for stablecoins like RLUSD to reshape international business practices, especially in underserved regions.
