XRP Ledger Jumps on the Smart Contract Bandwagon—Ethereum Compatibility Goes Live
Ripple''s blockchain just got a major upgrade—and it''s borrowing from Ethereum''s playbook. The XRP Ledger now supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) smart contracts, opening the floodgates for decentralized apps and DeFi protocols.
Why it matters: XRP holders can finally play in the DeFi sandbox without bridging assets. But let''s be real—this move reeks of ''if you can''t beat ''em, join ''em'' energy after years of dismissing smart contracts as overhyped.
The fine print: Developers get cross-chain interoperability, traders get new yield farms, and crypto Twitter gets fresh fodder for the eternal XRP vs. ETH flame wars. Just don''t ask about gas fees—some things even EVM compatibility can''t fix.
$2,791 VIRTUAL Machine (EVM) compatible side blockchain in the second quarter of this year. This initiative aims to incorporate Ethereum’s smart contract features into the Ripple
$2 ecosystem. According to Peersyst, one of the main developers, Ripple CTO David Schwartz announced the timeline for the side blockchain at the ongoing Apex 2025 event. The side blockchain will combine XRP Ledger’s low-cost transaction power with Ethereum’s smart contract functionality.
ContentsPreparation for XRP Side Blockchain LaunchConnection and Future Plans for XRP Ledger
Preparation for XRP Side Blockchain Launch
This parallel side blockchain is being developed using the evmOS software stack, with contributions from Ripple and Peersyst. Currently active on the test network, the blockchain is preparing to move to the mainnet following additional tests and validator partnerships scheduled for the second quarter.
Although XRP Ledger already supports its own smart contracts, it currently doesn’t support the EVM environment widely used by ethereum developers for writing applications. The Flare Network, which integrates with XRP Ledger, also offers smart contract functionality using an EVM-compatible layer.
Connection and Future Plans for XRP Ledger
The connection between the side blockchain and XRP Ledger’s mainnet will be facilitated through a bridge. This bridge, actively functioning on the test network, will use Axelar and wrapped XRP to transfer coins. Wrapped XRP will serve as the primary gas coin, meaning the transaction fee coin, for processing fees on the side blockchain.
Developers aim to significantly enhance the capabilities of XRP Ledger with the side blockchain integration planned for completion in the second quarter. This integration has the potential to open up new spaces for EVM-based applications, offering developers and users from both ecosystems broader possibilities.
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