XRP Ledger Deploys EVM-Compatible Sidechain to Expand Multichain Utility

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The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has officially launched its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible sidechain on mainnet — a pivotal advancement in bridging the high-speed payment capabilities of XRP with the robust smart contract functionality of Ethereum. This strategic upgrade unlocks new dimensions for developers, enterprises, and decentralized applications seeking scalable, interoperable blockchain solutions.

With the deployment of the XRPL EVM Sidechain, developers can now build and deploy Ethereum-compatible dApps directly within the XRPL ecosystem. Fully supporting tools such as Solidity, MetaMask, and the broader Ethereum development stack, this sidechain empowers innovation in tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), cross-chain payments, and more — all while leveraging XRPL’s renowned speed, low transaction costs, and energy efficiency.

Bridging Two Blockchains: How the XRPL EVM Sidechain Works

At its core, the XRPL EVM Sidechain operates as a parallel blockchain connected to the XRP Ledger mainnet. It was developed through a collaborative effort between Ripple, blockchain infrastructure provider Peersyst, and cross-chain interoperability protocol Axelar. Built using Evmos’ framework, the sidechain enables seamless communication between XRPL and EVM-based ecosystems.

One of the most critical technical aspects is the use of wrapped XRP (wXRP) as the native gas token. This allows developers and users to power transactions and smart contracts on the sidechain using XRP, transferred securely via Axelar’s cross-chain messaging layer. The integration ensures that assets and data move efficiently between chains without sacrificing security or decentralization.

👉 Discover how cross-chain interoperability is shaping the future of blockchain development.

This hybrid architecture preserves the foundational strengths of XRPL — including sub-3-second finality and minimal fees — while introducing full programmability. As a result, it opens the door for complex financial instruments, NFT marketplaces, DAOs, and enterprise-grade applications to thrive within an ecosystem historically optimized for payments.

Strategic Vision: Unlocking Multichain Utility

David Schwartz, CTO at Ripple and co-creator of the XRP Ledger, emphasized that this launch represents a carefully considered evolution of XRPL’s capabilities. “We’re enabling developers to explore smart contracts and decentralized applications without compromising the speed and reliability that define the XRP Ledger,” he said.

The sidechain does not alter the core consensus mechanism or transaction model of XRPL but instead extends its utility through modular expansion. This approach aligns with broader industry trends favoring modular, interoperable blockchains over monolithic architectures.

Ferran Prat, founder and CEO of Peersyst, described the launch as “Day 1 of a bigger journey.” He highlighted that this milestone marks the beginning of XRPL’s transformation into a multichain hub — capable of interacting with major ecosystems like Ethereum, Cosmos, and beyond. “We’re moving from a single-chain model to a scalable, interconnected Web3 infrastructure,” Prat noted.

Georgios Vlachos, co-founder of Axelar, added that enterprise demand for secure, compliant blockchain solutions is growing rapidly. “The XRPL EVM Sidechain, backed by Axelar’s proven cross-chain technology, is well-positioned to meet institutional needs for interoperability and reliability.”

Growing Ecosystem: Early Projects and Developer Tools

The momentum behind the XRPL EVM Sidechain is already evident. Several prominent projects have announced plans to build on the new chain:

Additional integrations are expected from platforms such as Strobe (identity solutions), Securd (security infrastructure), and Vertex (derivatives trading). These partnerships signal strong confidence in the sidechain’s potential to support diverse use cases.

On the developer tools front:

This growing toolkit lowers entry barriers for developers familiar with Ethereum but interested in tapping into XRPL’s global payment network and enterprise adoption.

👉 Explore how developers are building the next generation of multichain applications today.

Core Keywords Driving Adoption

To better serve search intent and enhance discoverability, key terms naturally embedded throughout this article include:

These keywords reflect user interests in technical upgrades, developer opportunities, and ecosystem expansion — all central themes in current blockchain discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: It’s a parallel blockchain that brings Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility to the XRP Ledger, enabling developers to build and run Ethereum-style smart contracts using tools like Solidity and MetaMask.

Q: How does it connect to the main XRP Ledger?
A: The sidechain is linked via Axelar’s cross-chain communication protocol, allowing secure transfer of data and assets — particularly wrapped XRP — between chains.

Q: Can I use XRP directly on the EVM Sidechain?
A: Not natively. You must wrap your XRP into wXRP to use it as gas or liquidity within the EVM environment. This process is facilitated through Axelar’s bridge.

Q: Why is this launch significant for DeFi?
A: It enables DeFi protocols to leverage XRPL’s fast settlement and low fees while accessing Ethereum’s mature development ecosystem — creating hybrid applications with superior performance.

Q: Is the sidechain decentralized?
A: While currently operated by a consortium including Ripple and Peersyst, long-term governance plans aim to increase decentralization as the network matures.

Q: Are existing XRPL wallets compatible?
A: Most Ethereum-compatible wallets like MetaMask work with the sidechain. Integration with native XRPL wallets is ongoing.

The Road Ahead: Scaling XRPL’s Role in Web3

The launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain is more than a technical upgrade — it's a strategic pivot toward becoming a central node in the multichain future. By combining XRPL’s proven efficiency in payments with Ethereum’s rich developer ecosystem, Ripple and its partners are positioning XRP as a versatile asset across both financial rails and programmable economies.

As adoption grows and tooling improves, expect increased traction from enterprises exploring tokenized assets, remittance platforms optimizing cross-border flows, and startups launching innovative dApps that span multiple chains.

👉 See how leading projects are leveraging EVM compatibility for real-world blockchain solutions.

With strong backing from infrastructure providers and early ecosystem entrants, the XRPL EVM Sidechain stands as one of 2025’s most impactful developments in blockchain interoperability — setting a new standard for scalable, connected digital economies.