XRP’s DeFi Breakthrough: Hex Trust Launches wXRP with $100M Liquidity to Bridge Ripple into Multi-Chain Ecosystems

In a significant development for Ripple's XRP token and the broader decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape, Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian Hex Trust has officially launched wXRP, a wrapped version of the XRP token. This strategic move, announced on December 14, 2025, is designed to bridge the native XRP ledger's asset into the expansive and rapidly growing ecosystems of other major blockchain networks, primarily ethereum and Solana. By creating a 1:1 asset-backed wrapped token, Hex Trust effectively solves a critical interoperability challenge that has historically limited XRP's utility outside its native environment. The launch is not merely a technical achievement but is backed by substantial market confidence, commencing with an impressive $100 million in pre-committed liquidity. This substantial liquidity pool is crucial for ensuring deep, stable markets for wXRP from day one, reducing slippage for users and encouraging adoption by DeFi protocols that require robust liquidity to function effectively. The introduction of wXRP represents a pivotal expansion of XRP's use cases. Previously, XRP's primary functions were centered around its role as a bridge currency for cross-border payments and settlements, a vision championed by Ripple. While successful in that domain, it remained largely siloed from the explosive innovation happening in DeFi on networks like Ethereum. With wXRP, XRP holders can now seamlessly participate in the full spectrum of DeFi applications, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending and borrowing platforms, yield farming, liquidity provisioning, and complex derivative products. This unlocks billions of dollars in potential capital and utility for the XRP community, allowing the asset to compete directly with other major wrapped assets like wBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) and wETH in multi-chain DeFi. Endorsement from Ripple's Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, adds significant weight to this initiative. Schwartz's public support underscores the alignment between Ripple's vision for XRP and the community-driven evolution of its utility. His noted emphasis on 'expanded utility' signals Ripple's recognition that for XRP to achieve its full potential as a cornerstone of global digital asset infrastructure, it must be fungible and accessible across all major financial rails, both traditional and decentralized. From a market perspective, this development is profoundly bullish. It directly addresses a long-standing critique of XRP—its perceived lack of DeFi integration—and transforms it into a strength. By providing a secure, institutionally-backed bridge (via a licensed custodian like Hex Trust), the launch mitigates counterparty risk often associated with wrapping services. This move is likely to attract not only retail DeFi users but also institutional players who have been awaiting a compliant and reliable gateway for XRP into decentralized finance. The $100 million liquidity commitment acts as a powerful signal of demand and sets the stage for wXRP to become a major liquidity pillar in the multi-chain DeFi economy, potentially driving increased demand, network activity, and positive re-evaluation of XRP's fundamental value in the years to come.

Hex Trust Launches Wrapped XRP to Bridge Ripple Token into DeFi Ecosystems

Hong Kong-based custodian Hex Trust unveiled wXRP, a wrapped version of Ripple's XRP token, enabling cross-chain interoperability with Ethereum, Solana, and other networks while maintaining 1:1 asset backing. The initiative launches with $100 million in pre-committed liquidity, positioning XRP for broader use in decentralized finance applications.

Ripple CTO David Schwartz endorsed the move, noting expanded utility for XRP while emphasizing the XRP Ledger's continued role as the foundational layer. The wrapped tokens will be minted or burned only against verified custody reserves, ensuring parity with native XRP.

Hex Trust's solution targets institutional demand for regulated exposure to XRP's DeFi applications without requiring direct blockchain integration. Market observers note the development could alleviate liquidity fragmentation across chains.

Ripple Advances XRP as Cornerstone for Global Payment Infrastructure

Ripple is systematically positioning XRP as critical infrastructure for international payments, according to a September 2025 report by Digital Asset Solutions (DAS). The research underscores the company's technical and regulatory progress while acknowledging persistent adoption hurdles.

Market observers note Ripple's sustained focus on liquidity solutions and correspondent banking partnerships. The DAS analysis suggests these efforts could gradually erode traditional settlement inefficiencies—if regulatory clarity matures alongside institutional demand.

Analyst Suggests XRP May Mirror 2017 Rally Pattern

XRP has recently faced bearish pressure amid broader market headwinds, but one analyst sees striking parallels with its historic 2017 bull run. Chart Nerd points to what they describe as an "uncanny" structural similarity to the fractal pattern that preceded XRP's 7,452% surge seven years ago.

While current conditions remain challenging for crypto assets, the technical comparison raises questions about whether history could repeat. The 2017 rally occurred despite similar macroeconomic pressures, suggesting market cycles may override short-term fundamentals.

XRP Forecast: $100 Target by 2030 Amid Crypto Adoption Wave

Prominent analyst 24hrscrypto projects XRP could reach $100 before 2030, framing the prediction against broader crypto adoption trends. The long-term outlook hinges on accelerating mainstream acceptance of digital assets, though the commentator acknowledges current market immaturity.

XRP's potential trajectory mirrors growing institutional interest in blockchain payments solutions. While the $100 milestone remains speculative, the forecast aligns with increasing recognition of crypto's role in global finance.

XRP Faces Bearish Sentiment Despite New ETF Launch

XRP's derivatives market shows extreme bearish positioning as funding rates plummet to -20%, the lowest since October. Traders remain hesitant, with open interest flat at $2.8 billion, down from $3.2 billion in late November.

The XRP Ledger's total value locked has dwindled to $68 million, a 2025 low, while Stellar—with a 93% smaller market cap—holds $176 million. Despite 21Shares launching its XRP ETF (TOXR) on CBOE, joining Grayscale and others, daily trading volumes for US-listed XRP ETFs struggle to exceed $30 million.

XRP's price dropped 9% after failing to hold above $2.18, slipping below $2 and exacerbating derivatives market turbulence. Negative funding rates indicate sellers are paying buyers to maintain positions—a rare and typically short-lived signal of bearish extremes.

Jake Claver Maintains Bullish XRP Outlook, Foresees 100X Potential

Digital Ascension Group CEO Jake Claver reaffirmed his triple-digit price target for XRP during a recent appearance on the Good Evening Crypto podcast. His analysis suggests the asset could still deliver a 100x return, with particular attention from analysts on market dynamics in Japan.

Claver's Optimism contrasts with broader market skepticism, positioning XRP as a high-conviction play amid regulatory clarity and institutional interest. The podcast highlighted growing scrutiny of cross-border payment use cases, where XRP's utility may drive valuation.