The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is poised for a major evolution as its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible sidechain prepares for a mainnet launch in the second quarter of this year. The announcement came from Ripple’s director of product management, Jaazi Cooper, and chief technology officer, David Schwartz, during the APEX 2025 conference in Singapore—a gathering that has become a focal point for blockchain innovation.
EVM compatibility is a game-changer for XRPL, enabling developers to deploy Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts seamlessly on the XRP ecosystem. This bridges two of the most prominent blockchain communities, offering Ethereum developers a new playground with XRP’s speed and low-cost transactions. The sidechain’s testnet, which went live earlier this year, has already seen explosive growth, according to Peersyst Technologies, the firm collaborating with Ripple on the project.
In a post on X, Peersyst revealed that 87 new entities—none of which had prior involvement with XRP—are now actively contributing to the ecosystem. These participants span infrastructure development, application creation, and demand generation, signaling a surge of fresh interest. “When mainnet goes live, all of it becomes part of the XRP ecosystem—possibly the biggest onboarding in XRP history,” the company stated.
The implications are significant. By integrating EVM compatibility, XRPL opens the door to decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities that were previously limited to Ethereum and its Layer 2 networks. Users will soon be able to engage in yield farming, liquidity provision, and other smart contract-driven activities without leaving the XRP ecosystem. For a blockchain traditionally known for its fast, efficient payments, this expansion into programmable finance could redefine its role in the broader market.
Industry observers are watching closely. The success of this sidechain could position XRPL as a versatile hub, appealing not just to payment-focused users but also to DeFi enthusiasts and developers looking for alternatives to Ethereum’s congestion and high fees. With mainnet deployment just months away, the XRP community is bracing for what may be its most transformative upgrade yet.
