Just in: Ripple announces mainnet launch of XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain

Ripple has announced the mainnet launch of the XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain. This launch allows developers to deploy Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based smart contracts while leveraging the speed and low-cost transactions of the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

The sidechain, a collaborative effort between Ripple, Peersyst, and Axelar, is set to expand the utility of XRP by introducing Ethereum’s programmability into the XRPL ecosystem.

With this launch, decentralized applications (dApps) such as lending platforms, tokenization protocols, and cross-chain payment solutions can now operate within the XRPL environment.

Could this be a game-changer for XRP?

According to Ripple, the XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain solves a long-standing limitation of the XRPL—its lack of native support for EVM-based smart contracts. While the XRP Ledger excels in fast, low-cost transactions, its smart contract capabilities have been limited compared to Ethereum.

Now, developers can build or migrate Ethereum dApps to the XRPL sidechain without sacrificing interoperability. The sidechain connects to the XRPL mainnet via Axelar’s bridge, enabling seamless asset transfers, including wrapped XRP (wXRP), which will serve as the native gas token.

Ripple CTO David Schwartz emphasized the significance of this integration:

“The XRPL EVM Sidechain extends the capabilities of our ecosystem without compromising the reliability that makes XRPL ideal for financial applications.”

Major DeFi players already on board

The XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain isn’t just a theoretical upgrade—it’s already attracting real-world adoption. Leading DeFi projects like Band Protocol, Grove, and Squid have committed to deploying on the sidechain. Additionally, infrastructure providers such as Blockscout and Goldsky are supporting the network with advanced tooling.

Wormhole, a top cross-chain interoperability protocol, is also set to integrate with the sidechain, further enhancing its connectivity across 35+ blockchain networks. This positions the XRPL as a serious contender in the multichain DeFi landscape.

Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst, called this launch “Day 1 of a much bigger journey,” highlighting the potential for XRP to flow freely across different blockchains.

What this means for crypto’s future

The XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain arrives at a crucial time as institutional interest in blockchain technology grows. Enterprises exploring tokenization, cross-border payments, and decentralized finance now have a scalable, secure, and cost-efficient platform to build on.

Georgios Vlachos, co-founder of Axelar, noted: “Crypto is entering an exciting phase where institutions demand robust solutions. This sidechain, backed by Axelar’s secure bridging technology, meets that need.”

With Ethereum’s smart contract flexibility now accessible on the XRP Ledger, the crypto space could see a surge in hybrid applications that combine XRPL’s transaction efficiency with Ethereum’s programmability.

While the mainnet launch is a major milestone, the team behind the XRP Ledger Ethereum-compatible sidechain acknowledges that this is just the beginning. Future upgrades may include deeper integrations with other blockchains, enhanced developer tools, and broader institutional adoption.