The XRPL EVM Sidechain has officially gone live on mainnet, marking a transformative moment for the XRP Ledger ecosystem. With full Ethereum compatibility now integrated, developers can deploy Ethereum-based smart contracts using XRP as the native gas token—unlocking new levels of interoperability, speed, and real-world utility. This milestone positions the XRP Ledger as a leading multichain platform capable of supporting high-performance decentralized applications (dApps) while maintaining regulatory alignment and scalability.
Bridging Ethereum and XRPL: A Developer-First Approach
The launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces seamless Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, allowing developers to leverage familiar tools such as Solidity, MetaMask, and Hardhat within the XRP Ledger environment. This integration removes traditional barriers to entry, enabling Ethereum-native projects to migrate or expand without rewriting core codebases.
What sets this sidechain apart is its use of XRP as the native gas token—a strategic decision that preserves ecosystem cohesion and strengthens XRP’s utility beyond payments. Developers benefit from XRPL’s proven infrastructure, including sub-second finality and low transaction costs, while gaining access to advanced smart contract functionality previously unavailable on the base ledger.
Underpinning the network is a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism, which delivers block times significantly faster than Ethereum’s average 14-second interval. With throughput capacity reaching up to 1,000 transactions per second, the sidechain is engineered for performance-critical applications such as decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized assets, and real-time payment systems.
Seamless Cross-Chain Interoperability at Launch
From day one, the XRPL EVM Sidechain is integrated with Axelar’s cross-chain communication protocol, instantly connecting it to over 80 blockchains. This foundational interoperability enables frictionless asset transfers and data sharing across ecosystems, dramatically expanding the reach of XRP-based dApps.
Users can leverage the Squid app—a user-friendly interface for cross-chain swaps—to move assets between networks with minimal slippage and latency. This ease of use lowers adoption barriers for retail participants while opening doors for institutional-grade multi-chain operations.
Additionally, upcoming integration with Wormhole, one of the most widely adopted interoperability protocols, promises to further enhance connectivity. Together, these partnerships position the XRPL EVM Sidechain as a central hub in the evolving multichain landscape—where value and logic flow freely across chains without fragmentation.
Powering the Next Wave of DeFi Innovation
The sidechain is already attracting a growing wave of DeFi projects drawn to its high throughput, compliance-first architecture, and strong developer tooling. Platforms like Strobe and Securd are pioneering overcollateralized lending and borrowing solutions, while Vertex offers capital-efficient trading experiences tailored for institutional users.
Developers are supported by powerful infrastructure tools such as:
- Blockscout: For transparent block exploration and contract verification.
- Goldsky: Enabling custom subgraph indexing for efficient data querying.
These resources streamline development workflows, improve auditability, and foster trust in deployed applications.
Moreover, the validator network includes over 25 reputable organizations, reflecting a strong commitment to decentralization and global participation. This diverse set of validators enhances security and ensures resilient network operation across jurisdictions.
Compliance Meets Real-World Utility
One of the most compelling advantages of the XRPL EVM Sidechain is its compliance-oriented design. Unlike many EVM-compatible chains that operate in regulatory gray areas, this platform is built with institutional requirements in mind. Its architecture supports regulated asset issuance, including real-world assets (RWAs) and compliant stablecoins—making it ideal for banks, fintechs, and enterprise adopters.
This focus on regulatory readiness differentiates the XRPL EVM Sidechain in a crowded market. It enables organizations to innovate on-chain without compromising legal or operational standards—bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems.
👉 Explore how compliant blockchain solutions are shaping the future of digital finance.
Leveraging XRPL’s Existing Strengths
While operating as a separate network, the XRPL EVM Sidechain remains deeply integrated with the core XRP Ledger. It inherits critical attributes such as:
- Liquidity: Immediate access to a vast pool of XRP liquidity.
- Security: Backed by XRPL’s battle-tested consensus algorithm.
- Regulatory Preparedness: Designed with global compliance frameworks in mind.
This synergy allows new dApps to tap into an existing user base of over six million XRPL wallet holders, accelerating adoption and network effects from launch.
With developer tools fully operational and key partners onboard, the stage is set for rapid innovation across sectors—including payments, asset tokenization, supply chain tracking, and identity verification.
FAQ: Your Questions About the XRPL EVM Sidechain
Q: What is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: It’s a high-performance blockchain extension of the XRP Ledger that supports Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. Developers can build dApps using familiar tools while using XRP as gas.
Q: Can I use MetaMask with the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
A: Yes. The sidechain supports standard Ethereum wallets like MetaMask, allowing seamless interaction with dApps and contracts.
Q: Why use XRP as gas instead of ETH?
A: Using XRP strengthens ecosystem unity, reduces friction for existing users, and enhances XRP’s utility beyond cross-border payments.
Q: How fast are transactions on the sidechain?
A: The PoA consensus enables block times much faster than Ethereum’s average 14 seconds, supporting up to 1,000 TPS for high-throughput applications.
Q: Is the sidechain decentralized?
A: While it uses Proof of Authority initially, it features a globally distributed validator set of over 25 trusted entities, promoting transparency and resilience.
Q: How does cross-chain connectivity work?
A: Through Axelar and future integration with Wormhole, users can transfer assets and data across more than 80 blockchains using trusted bridges and messaging protocols.
A New Chapter for Multichain Innovation
The mainnet launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain represents more than just technical progress—it signals a strategic evolution in blockchain interoperability. By combining Ethereum’s developer dominance with XRPL’s speed, scalability, and compliance strengths, this platform offers a compelling alternative in the multichain era.
As DeFi activity grows and real-world assets move on-chain, the XRPL EVM Sidechain stands ready to serve both innovators and institutions seeking secure, efficient, and regulation-aligned solutions.
👉 See how top developers are leveraging EVM compatibility on a scalable, compliant chain.
With robust infrastructure, strong partnerships, and immediate utility, the XRPL EVM Sidechain isn’t just another fork—it’s a bridge to a more connected, functional blockchain future. Stakeholders across crypto should watch closely as this ecosystem evolves and redefines what’s possible with XRP.