Rewrite Ripple Challenges Chainlink with XRPL EVM Sidechain Mainnet Launch
Key Highlights:
– The XRP Ledger (XRPL) EVM Sidechain has officially launched on the mainnet, enhancing the XRPL ecosystem without altering its core architecture.
– XRP will be the native gas token for the new sidechain, positioning it for increased utility and potential market growth.
Mainnet Launch and Ecosystem Expansion
Following its successful testnet phase just two months ago, Ripple has officially launched the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible XRPL Sidechain on the mainnet. This major milestone was made possible by a collaborative effort between RippleX, Web3 interoperability platform Axelar, and blockchain research firm Common Prefix.
In its announcement, Ripple emphasized the Sidechain’s role in expanding XRPL’s capabilities while upholding its core principles. The EVM Sidechain enables developers to create and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) and facilitates seamless digital asset transfers in compliance with international regulatory frameworks.
A New Era of Compatibility and Performance
The launch introduces a seamless environment for development with cross-chain functionality, allowing for the migration and deployment of EVM-based dApps on XRPL. With over 12 years of XRPL stability and liquidity at its foundation, this evolution maintains system integrity while enhancing flexibility.
David Schwartz, co-creator of XRPL and CTO at Ripple, noted that this development provides “a flexible environment that extends the ecosystem’s capabilities without compromising the reliability of the XRPL.”
Peersyst CEO and founder Ferran Prat added that this marks a new chapter of “interoperability, programmability, and utility at scale.”
Interoperability Boosted by Axelar and Wormhole
The sidechain is connected to XRPL through the secure Axelar bridge, a leading interoperability solution that links over 80 blockchains. In addition, the integration with Squid further enhances XRPL’s cross-chain functionality. There are also plans to incorporate Wormhole, another top-tier interoperability protocol enabling cross-chain stablecoin movement across 30 blockchains like Solana, Polkadot, and Sui.
Georgios Vlachos, director of the Axelar Foundation, expressed confidence in the XRPL EVM Sidechain capturing emerging institutional and enterprise use cases. He positioned Axelar as the “secure, institutional-grade connector” that will facilitate these developments.
Key Benefits of the XRPL EVM Sidechain
Ripple highlighted several features that distinguish the new EVM Sidechain:
– Over 6 million XRPL wallet holders can now access Ethereum-compliant features.
– XRP serves as the gas token, increasing its fundamental utility.
– Enables faster block times and lower transaction fees.
– 1,000 Transactions Per Second (TPS) throughput.
– Compatibility with popular Ethereum tools such as Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat.
– Maintains a robust validator network for added security.
Market Reaction and Forward Outlook
News of the mainnet launch sparked a modest price increase for XRP, which rose 1.8% over 24 hours to reach $2.20. Market analysts believe this could be just the beginning. A recent Crypto News Flash analysis suggests that XRP could climb as high as $14 in the short to mid-term, depending on adoption and development momentum.
Furthermore, Sistine Research has projected an even more bullish outlook, forecasting a potential surge toward $73 during this market cycle.
Conclusion
With the XRPL EVM Sidechain now live, Ripple has positioned itself as a formidable contender in the blockchain interoperability and smart contract space—directly challenging Chainlink and other cross-chain platforms. This move not only strengthens the XRPL ecosystem but also opens the door to a broader range of decentralized finance and enterprise use cases.
XRP Ledger’s EVM sidechain explained
XRP Ledger’s EVM Sidechain Explained
The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is no stranger to innovation, but its latest leap—the launch of an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible sidechain on mainnet—may be its most transformative yet. Designed to bring Ethereum-style programmability and smart contracts to the XRPL without compromising its core architecture, this new sidechain creates a powerful hybrid of XRPL’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure and Ethereum’s expansive developer ecosystem.
So what is this EVM sidechain all about? At its essence, it’s a parallel blockchain network that runs alongside the XRPL mainnet but supports Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. This means developers can now build and deploy dApps using popular tools like Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat—without abandoning the XRPL’s trusted environment.
Developed in partnership with blockchain infrastructure firm Peersyst, the sidechain is powered by XRP as its native gas token. That’s right—transactions on this EVM-compatible chain will be fueled by XRP, not ETH. This subtle yet significant design choice could have major implications for XRP’s utility and value in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space and beyond.
Unlike traditional Layer-2 solutions, this sidechain doesn’t compromise on performance or decentralization. It delivers:
- Fast block times to support high-throughput applications
- 1,000+ transactions per second (TPS)—a massive upgrade over Ethereum’s base layer
- Low fees, making it ideal for microtransactions and DeFi operations
- Full compatibility with Ethereum development tools and standards
More importantly, the sidechain architecture maintains the integrity of the XRPL. The mainnet remains untouched and secure, while the EVM sidechain operates as a sandbox for innovation. Developers can now experiment with smart contracts, token standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721, and decentralized applications—all while tapping into XRPL’s liquidity and efficiency.
Interoperability is another pillar of this launch. The EVM sidechain is linked to the XRPL mainnet via the Axelar bridge, enabling seamless asset transfers across chains. Additional integrations are already in the pipeline, including support from Wormhole and Squid, which will further enhance XRPL’s access to over 100 blockchain networks. This means assets can move freely between ecosystems, unlocking unprecedented liquidity and composability for developers and investors alike.
In short, the XRPL EVM sidechain isn’t just another blockchain extension—it’s a bold move to position XRP at the center of multi-chain DeFi, attract Ethereum-native developers, and provide a scalable, secure, and cost-effective alternative to congested networks. For investors, this marks a pivotal moment where XRP evolves from a payments token to a full-fledged smart contract platform contender.
Benefits for DeFi developers
Benefits for DeFi Developers
For DeFi developers, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is like unlocking a cheat code to next-gen blockchain development. It combines Ethereum’s robust smart contract capabilities with the speed, efficiency, and security of the XRP Ledger—offering a development environment that’s both familiar and highly optimized. Whether you’re a veteran Solidity coder or a newcomer seeking fast, low-cost deployment options, this sidechain opens up a playground of possibilities.
Let’s break down what makes this launch a game-changer for decentralized finance builders:
- Ethereum Compatibility Without Ethereum Bottlenecks: Developers can use Solidity, MetaMask, Remix, Hardhat, and other Ethereum-native tools to build on the XRPL EVM Sidechain. That means no need to relearn new languages or frameworks—just plug and play. But unlike Ethereum’s congested mainnet, the XRPL sidechain offers lightning-fast block times and minimal gas fees, making it ideal for high-frequency DeFi operations.
- XRP as Gas = Real Utility: By using XRP as the native gas token, the sidechain creates a direct use case for the token within DeFi ecosystems. This could drive sustained demand and liquidity for XRP, especially as more dApps and protocols onboard. For developers, this also means predictable and low-cost transactions—no more sweating over volatile ETH gas prices.
- Built-In Liquidity and Institutional Trust: The XRPL has been around for over a decade, with a proven track record of stability and a massive global user base. DeFi developers can leverage this existing liquidity pool and trusted infrastructure to bootstrap their applications more effectively. Plus, Ripple’s focus on regulatory compliance adds a layer of institutional credibility that most DeFi ecosystems sorely lack.
- Scalable Architecture for Real-World Use: With a throughput of 1,000 TPS and support for microtransactions, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is built to scale. Developers can confidently build applications that serve thousands—or even millions—of users without worrying about network congestion or skyrocketing fees.
- Cross-Chain Interoperability = More Users, More Assets: Thanks to integrations with Axelar, Squid, and soon Wormhole, developers can tap into liquidity and users from over 100 other blockchains. Want to bring wrapped BTC from Bitcoin, stablecoins from Ethereum, or NFTs from Solana into your XRPL dApp? Now it’s possible. This opens the door to highly composable DeFi apps that can interact with assets and protocols across the Web3 ecosystem.
Imagine building a yield farming protocol that accepts stablecoins from Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain—all while running on XRPL’s high-speed infrastructure with XRP gas fees. Or launching a decentralized exchange that aggregates liquidity from multiple chains in real-time. These aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re now within reach for any developer leveraging the XRPL EVM Sidechain.
And let’s not forget security. The XRPL sidechain maintains a robust validator set, ensuring that DeFi protocols can operate in a secure and decentralized manner. This is particularly important as the DeFi space matures and begins to attract more institutional capital, which demands enterprise-grade security and performance.
In essence, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic bridge between the legacy finance world and the permissionless innovation of DeFi. For developers, it’s an invitation to build smarter, faster, and more interoperable financial products that can actually scale beyond crypto-native audiences.
Multi-chain liquidity opportunities
Multi-Chain Liquidity Opportunities
One of the most powerful outcomes of the XRPL EVM Sidechain launch is its potential to supercharge multi-chain liquidity. In the fragmented landscape of decentralized finance, liquidity is king—and the ability to move assets freely and efficiently across disparate blockchain networks is becoming the holy grail for both developers and investors. With the XRPL EVM Sidechain now live and integrated with top-tier interoperability protocols, XRP is poised to become a central player in this cross-chain liquidity revolution.
Thanks to native support from Axelar and upcoming integrations with Wormhole and Squid, the XRPL EVM Sidechain doesn’t just talk the talk—it walks the walk of seamless interoperability. These bridges make it possible to transfer assets like stablecoins, wrapped tokens, and NFTs across more than 100 blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Polkadot, and Cosmos.
So what does this mean in practical terms? Let’s explore the real-world implications:
- Cross-Chain Asset Transfers: Users can now move assets from Ethereum or Solana directly into XRPL-based dApps without going through centralized exchanges. This allows DeFi protocols on XRPL to tap into the massive liquidity pools of other chains and offer users a frictionless experience.
- Unified Liquidity Pools: Developers can create cross-chain DEXs or lending platforms that aggregate liquidity from multiple blockchains. Imagine a decentralized exchange on XRPL that pulls trading pairs from BNB Chain, Avalanche, and Ethereum—all while settling transactions with XRP gas fees.
- Stablecoin Portability: With Wormhole support, developers can bring in popular stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI from various chains and use them within XRPL DeFi apps. This opens the door to yield farming, liquidity mining, and algorithmic stablecoin strategies powered by a diverse stablecoin stack.
- NFT and Gaming Ecosystem Expansion: NFT creators and GameFi developers can import assets from other ecosystems and build cross-chain experiences using XRPL’s high-speed infrastructure. Think NFT marketplaces where assets minted on Solana or Ethereum can be traded instantly and inexpensively on XRPL-based platforms.
- Composability Across Chains: Smart contracts on the XRPL EVM Sidechain can interact with contracts on other networks, enabling complex DeFi strategies that span multiple ecosystems. This paves the way for innovative financial products like cross-chain derivatives, insurance protocols, and liquidity routing tools.
But it’s not just about technical possibilities—it’s about economic impact. Multi-chain liquidity dramatically increases the total addressable market (TAM) for any dApp built on XRPL. Developers can serve users and access capital from a wide variety of ecosystems, reducing dependency on any single chain and enhancing protocol resilience. For investors, this means better capital efficiency, more diversified exposure, and higher yield opportunities.
Even better, all of this is being built on a foundation of speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency. With 1,000+ TPS, minimal gas fees, and XRP as the native currency, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is uniquely positioned to handle the demands of real-time cross-chain finance. Whether it’s arbitrage trading, collateral swaps, or multi-asset liquidity provisioning, the infrastructure is ready—and the incentives are aligned.
In the big picture, this positions XRP not just as a utility token, but as a liquidity gateway across the decentralized web. As more assets and protocols plug into the XRPL EVM Sidechain, XRP’s role as a bridge asset will likely strengthen, enhancing its market relevance and utility in an increasingly interconnected blockchain economy.
For developers, this is a golden opportunity to build the next wave of DeFi applications that aren’t confined to a single chain. For users and investors, it’s an invitation to engage with a more fluid, efficient, and inclusive financial system—one where assets move freely, opportunities are borderless, and XRP sits at the center of it all.
Future implications for the blockchain ecosystem
Future Implications for the Blockchain Ecosystem
The launch of the XRP Ledger EVM Sidechain is not just a technical evolution—it’s a tectonic shift with far-reaching consequences for the entire blockchain ecosystem. By fusing XRPL’s enterprise-grade infrastructure with Ethereum’s smart contract flexibility and multi-chain interoperability, Ripple has effectively redrawn the map of decentralized finance. This isn’t just a win for XRP holders or developers—it’s a paradigm shift that could ripple (pun intended) across the Web3 landscape for years to come.
At the heart of this transformation is a bold reimagining of what a blockchain network can be. For over a decade, XRPL has been known primarily as a fast, scalable, and regulated-friendly payments ledger. With the EVM sidechain, it now steps into the spotlight as a full-fledged smart contract platform—capable of competing with Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and even Chainlink in the race for DeFi dominance and cross-chain utility.
Here’s how the broader ecosystem stands to be impacted:
- End of Blockchain Silos: The XRPL EVM Sidechain is a major step toward a truly interoperable Web3. With bridges to 100+ chains via Axelar, Squid, and Wormhole, we’re entering an era where dApps no longer need to be loyal to a single ecosystem. Developers can build once and access liquidity, users, and assets from everywhere. This breaks down the traditional silos that have fragmented the industry and unlocks a new frontier of composable finance.
- Redefining XRP’s Identity: XRP is no longer just a payments token—it’s becoming a utility asset at the core of a smart contract and liquidity network. As more DeFi protocols adopt XRP for gas fees and cross-chain transactions, the token’s use case expands dramatically. This could have long-term implications for XRP’s valuation, making it more than just a bridge currency—it becomes a programmable asset with native DeFi demand.
- Fueling Institutional Adoption: Let’s face it—institutions have been skeptical of DeFi due to its volatility, security risks, and lack of compliance. The XRPL EVM Sidechain, with Ripple’s enterprise pedigree and regulatory-first approach, offers a compliant and scalable path for institutions to dip their toes into DeFi. Think tokenized real-world assets (RWA), CBDCs, and institutional-grade liquidity protocols—all built on a chain that speaks both Ethereum and TradFi.
- Catalyst for Cross-Chain Standards: As more developers build on XRPL’s EVM sidechain and interact with other networks, the demand for standardized cross-chain messaging, security, and governance will grow. This could accelerate the adoption of common frameworks like the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol or cross-chain identity solutions—paving the way for a more unified and secure multi-chain ecosystem.
- Boosting Developer Migration: Ethereum’s high gas fees and frequent congestion have long been a pain point for developers. XRPL’s EVM sidechain offers a compelling alternative: Ethereum compatibility with none of the baggage. As word spreads and tooling matures, expect a wave of developers to migrate or multi-deploy their dApps on XRPL for better performance and user experience.
But perhaps the most exciting implication lies in the emerging concept of chain abstraction. With the XRPL EVM Sidechain acting as a bridge, developers and users may no longer need to think in terms of specific chains. Instead, they’ll interact with applications that work across multiple networks, with assets and logic flowing freely beneath the surface. This is the holy grail of Web3 UX—and XRPL is now positioned to help lead the charge.
In this vision of the future, the XRPL EVM Sidechain functions as both a launchpad and a landing zone: a place where developers can innovate without limits, and where users can access the best of DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and more—regardless of where the assets originate. It’s a future where XRP isn’t just a token—it’s the connective tissue of a truly interoperable financial internet.
And while the current mainnet launch is just the beginning, the roadmap ahead is brimming with potential: native oracle services, DAO infrastructure, advanced DeFi primitives, and more. As the momentum builds, Ripple’s strategic bet on interoperability and programmability could very well reshape the competitive landscape of blockchain itself.