Luxembourg-based digital asset exchange Bitstamp announced the launch of XRP trading on its exchange. The XRP trading will be available from 17 January 2017 with 0% fee for the first month.

XRP is an independent digital asset, which is native to the Ripple Consensus Ledger. The launch will see two new trading pairs XRP/USD and XRP/EUR added to Bitstamp’s roster.

“After evaluating a number of digital currencies for inclusion on our exchange, it soon became clear that customer demand for XRP was particularly strong. Fortunately, Ripple and XRP also happen to be a good fit for the requirements of our EU license and so we are delighted to be able to respond to our customers’ needs in this way,” Nejc Kodrič, Bitstamp’s CEO, stated.

The choice to perform XRP deposits and withdrawals will commence immediately, followed by full operation of trading functionality from January 17. As a part of Ripple’s XRP incentive program, Bitstamp will be having a reduced cost that is schedule until the end of April, initially with 0% fee on all transactions of XRP for one month till 10 February 2017.

“The relationship with Bitstamp and launch of XRP volume incentives underscores our commitment to making XRP the institutional standard bearer for value transfer globally,” Miguel Vias, Head of XRP Markets stated. “XRP is uniquely capable of introducing more liquidity to exchanges to support global payment volume, especially in exotic corridors. Ripple's adoption with banks puts XRP in pole position to become a global settlement asset, which translates to more liquidity for Bitstamp, and more value for institutional and individual investors."

The addition of XRP trading can be used as a bridge currency for real-time settlement, providing efficient exchange of value across borders, since XRP is unique among digital assets.