In a landmark move for blockchain interoperability, Ripple has officially launched its EVM-compatible sidechain, allowing XRP to plug directly into the Ethereum ecosystem. This game-changing update enables XRP to be used with Ethereum decentralized applications (dApps), opening the door to a new era of smart contracts, DeFi integration, and multichain connectivity.
Bridging XRP to Ethereum’s DeFi World
On June 30, Ripple and blockchain development firm Peersyst rolled out the XRPL EVM Sidechain—a new sidechain designed to run Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based smart contracts while using XRP as the gas token. In simple terms, developers can now deploy Ethereum-compatible apps within the XRP ecosystem, and users can interact with those apps using XRP instead of ETH.
“This isn’t the finish line; it’s Day 1 of a much bigger journey toward interoperability, programmability, and utility at scale,” said Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst, highlighting the start of XRP’s multichain expansion.
What Makes This Sidechain Special?
EVM Compatibility: Developers can port over existing Ethereum dApps directly to the XRPL sidechain.
XRP for Gas: Transactions on the new sidechain use XRP instead of ETH, reducing fees and simplifying user experience.
Faster & Cheaper: Leveraging XRP Ledger’s native speed and cost advantages, the sidechain offers a performance edge over Ethereum.
Cross-Chain Support via Axelar: The EVM sidechain is linked to the XRP Ledger through the Axelar bridge, ensuring secure and seamless token transfers across networks.
Developer-Friendly, Enterprise-Ready
David Schwartz, Ripple’s CTO and one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger, emphasized the new sidechain’s flexibility without compromising the XRPL’s core strengths:
“This expands the ecosystem while keeping the XRP Ledger’s reliability intact. Developers get a robust EVM environment connected to a fast, scalable ledger.”
A Strategic Push for Institutional Adoption
Ripple’s latest innovation aligns with growing institutional interest in blockchain solutions. With enterprise use cases at the forefront, this EVM integration could attract financial institutions and DeFi platforms looking for more scalable alternatives to Ethereum.
Georgios Vlachos of the Axelar Foundation commented on the enterprise potential, saying:
“Crypto is entering an exciting phase. The XRPL EVM Sidechain, powered by Axelar, is ready to meet institutional-grade demand with security and scalability.”
Final Thoughts
This new sidechain is more than just a technical update—it’s a major strategic step in Ripple’s mission to expand XRP’s utility beyond payments and remittances. With this launch, XRP is positioned to play a much bigger role in the multichain DeFi ecosystem, while offering developers and enterprises a high-performance platform with real-world utility.
As Ripple pushes deeper into interoperability, XRP’s role in the broader crypto landscape may become more prominent than ever.
