Ripple has announced a new milestone for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem: the XRPL EVM Sidechain mainnet is officially live.
This launch is said to be a significant step in bridging the XRP Ledger’s renowned efficiency with Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities, unlocking new opportunities for developers, institutions, and users in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond.
By integrating Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, the XRPL EVM Sidechain seeks to combine the speed, scalability, and low-cost transactions of XRPL with the flexibility of Ethereum’s developer ecosystem, positioning XRP as a powerhouse in the multichain ecosystem.
The XRPL EVM Sidechain, developed through a collaborative effort involving Ripple, Peersyst, Axelar, and key players from the Cosmos community, introduces Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to the XRP Ledger.
This enables developers to build, port, and deploy cross-chain and EVM-only decentralized applications (dApps) while leveraging XRPL’s deep liquidity and over 12 years of operational stability.
David Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO and co-creator of the XRP Ledger, emphasized the significance of this development, stating:
“The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces a flexible environment for developers to deploy EVM-based applications, while maintaining a connection to the XRPL’s efficiency. It extends the capabilities of the ecosystem without changing the fundamentals that make the XRPL reliable.”
A key feature of the sidechain is its use of XRP as the native gas token, ensuring fast and cost-effective transactions.
The sidechain operates on a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus model, which prioritizes speed, efficiency, and security through a network of trusted validators.
With a capacity to handle up to 1,000 transactions per second (TPS) and block times of approximately 3.5 seconds, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is designed to support high-volume applications such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and payment platforms.
This scalability, combined with XRPL’s low transaction fees, makes it an attractive option for developers and enterprises alike.
Interoperability is at the heart of the XRPL EVM Sidechain’s design.
The sidechain is connected to the XRPL mainnet via the Axelar bridge, a decentralized interoperability protocol that links over 80 blockchains.
This bridge ensures seamless asset transfers, maintaining a 1:1 ratio for XRP between the mainnet and sidechain, preserving its value across both networks.
Additionally, the sidechain integrates with Squid, the official cross-chain transfer UI, allowing users to move assets without needing a separate EVM wallet.
Plans for further integration with Wormhole, another interoperability protocol, will expand connectivity to over 200 applications across 35+ blockchain networks, enhancing XRPL’s multichain capabilities.
The launch has already attracted significant interest from DeFi projects.
Notable protocols such as Strobe, a money market platform for lending and borrowing; Securd, a lending protocol for passive income; and Vertex, a derivatives trading platform, are building on the sidechain.
These projects leverage XRPL’s liquidity and access to over 6 million wallet holders, demonstrating the ecosystem’s potential to drive innovation in DeFi, tokenization, and payments.
Partnerships with Band Protocol for price data feeds and Grove for public infrastructure further strengthen the sidechain’s functionality.
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is built on the Cosmos SDK, enabling seamless cross-chain communication via Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC).
This architecture ensures compatibility with the broader blockchain ecosystem, allowing developers to use familiar Ethereum tools like Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat with minimal friction.
The sidechain’s testnet, which processed over 10 million transactions and attracted 87 new entities, signaled strong developer interest, paving the way for a successful mainnet launch.
This development aligns with Ripple’s broader strategy to enhance multichain interoperability and attract institutional adoption.
By combining Ethereum’s programmability with XRPL’s institutional-grade infrastructure, the XRPL EVM Sidechain positions XRP as a versatile asset for DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise solutions.
As Georgios Vlachos of the Axelar Foundation noted:
“Crypto is entering an exciting phase as institutions pursue compelling new use cases. The XRP Ledger EVM Sidechain is positioned to capture this rising demand.”
With its launch, Ripple is not only expanding the XRP ecosystem but also redefining the future of blockchain interoperability.