Axelar has successfully delivered the first cross-chain connectivity solution for the newly launched XRP Ledger (XRPL) EVM Sidechain. This integration links the XRPL ecosystem to more than 80 other blockchains, unlocking new opportunities for cross-chain decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.
The launch, announced at EthCC in collaboration with Ripple, Peersyst, and the broader XRPL community, enables seamless asset transfers—including wrapped XRP—between the XRPL mainnet and its EVM-compatible sidechain from day one.
What Is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is a new blockchain extension designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It is connected to the XRP Ledger mainnet via Axelar’s interoperability protocol, allowing developers to build and deploy Ethereum-style smart contracts while still leveraging the security, speed, and low-cost features of the XRPL.
This sidechain uses wrapped XRP (wXRP) as its native gas token, making it easier for existing XRP holders to interact with EVM-based applications without leaving the XRPL ecosystem.
Benefits of Cross-Chain Integration
By connecting the XRPL EVM Sidechain to Axelar’s network of over 80 blockchains, developers and users gain several advantages:
- Interoperability: Move assets and data across multiple chains without centralized intermediaries.
- Liquidity Access: Tap into established liquidity pools and user bases from connected ecosystems.
- Developer Flexibility: Build using popular EVM tools while benefiting from XRPL’s institutional-grade infrastructure.
- User Experience: Conduct cross-chain transactions directly from the XRPL mainnet without additional wallets.
Key Features and Early Adoption
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is designed for high performance and compliance, making it particularly attractive for institutional use cases such as stablecoins, tokenized assets, and regulated DeFi applications.
Several projects have already begun building on the sidechain, including:
- Strobe: A money market protocol supporting lending and borrowing.
- Securd: A lending protocol focused on secure passive income.
- Vertex: A capital-efficient derivatives trading platform.
Tooling and infrastructure support are provided by Blockscout (block explorer) and Goldsky (indexing service).
Institutional DeFi and Real-World Assets
The XRP Ledger has long been recognized for its reliability and compliance-friendly architecture. With the addition of an EVM sidechain, institutions can now develop and deploy asset tokenization projects, stablecoins, and other financial products using familiar Ethereum standards—all while operating within the regulated framework of the XRPL.
This move is expected to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based financial services among traditional finance entities.
“Axelar’s cross-chain infrastructure helps make it possible to support greater interoperability without changing the fundamentals of the XRP Ledger itself,” said David Schwartz, CTO of Ripple.
How to Get Started
Developers interested in building on the XRPL EVM Sidechain can access documentation and resources directly through the official portals. Users can perform cross-chain transfers using the Squid application, which serves as the main user interface for moving assets between the XRPL mainnet and the EVM sidechain.
👉 Explore cross-chain development resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
The XRPL EVM Sidechain is an Ethereum-compatible blockchain connected to the XRP Ledger. It allows developers to create EVM-based dApps while using XRP for gas and benefiting from XRPL's security and liquidity.
How does Axelar enable cross-chain functionality?
Axelar provides a decentralized interoperability network that connects the XRPL EVM Sidechain to over 80 other blockchains. It facilitates secure asset transfers and communication between different blockchain environments.
Do users need a new wallet to use the EVM sidechain?
No. Users can interact with EVM-based applications directly from their existing XRPL wallets, thanks to the integration provided by Axelar and Squid.
What kinds of applications can be built on the XRPL EVM Sidechain?
Developers can build a wide range of applications including DeFi protocols, tokenized asset platforms, lending services, and more—all with cross-chain capabilities.
Is the XRPL EVM Sidechain suitable for institutional use?
Yes. The sidechain inherits XRPL’s compliance-friendly features, low transaction costs, and high throughput, making it ideal for enterprise and institutional applications.
Where can I learn more about developing on the sidechain?
You can refer to the official XRPL EVM documentation and Axelar’s developer portal for technical guides and integration tutorials.
This integration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the XRP Ledger, positioning it as a multi-chain platform ready for the next generation of decentralized and institutional applications. With cross-chain functionality now live, the ecosystem is poised for broader adoption and innovation.