XRP Ledger Bridges Wall Street and DeFi with ETFs, EVM Expansion

XRP Ledger Sets New Milestones in 2025 with ETFs and EVM Integration

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has emerged as a focal point of institutional and technological innovation in 2025, driven by regulatory clarity, the launch of Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, and a surge in exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. These developments have positioned XRP as a key player in the evolving crypto landscape, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) poised to finalize decisions on multiple XRP ETF proposals by October 2025.

The SEC’s regulatory stance shifted significantly following a court ruling in August 2025, which dismissed the agency’s lawsuit against Ripple, affirming that XRP is not a security in secondary marketsWhat XRPL EVM Means for XRP’s Growth and the …^[5]. This ruling removed a critical barrier to institutional adoption, enabling asset managers to file spot and futures-based XRP ETFs. As of late 2025, 11 major applications are under review, including those from Grayscale, 21Shares, Bitwise, and WisdomTree, with final approvals expected between October 18 and October 25, 2025Full List of XRP ETFs Awaiting SEC Approval: Dates, …^[1]. The ProShares Ultra XRP ETF, a 2x leveraged futures product, was the first to gain approval in July 2025, signaling growing institutional confidenceFull List of XRP ETFs Awaiting SEC Approval: Dates, …^[1]. Analysts project that approvals could unlock over $5 billion in inflows, potentially surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in liquidityFinal List of XRP ETF Awaiting SEC Approval: Dates, Filings^[2].

Parallel to regulatory progress, the XRP Ledger launched an EVM sidechain in early 2025, enhancing its utility beyond payments. The sidechain enables Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, attracting developers and expanding XRP’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi). Within a week of its launch, nearly 1,400 smart contracts were deployed, and total value locked (TVL) in the XRPL ecosystem surged to $120 millionXRP EVM Ledger Launch: Price Outlook – blockbeat.net^[6]. This technical milestone, combined with low transaction costs and rapid settlement times, has drawn comparisons to Ethereum’s DeFi infrastructure, with some experts suggesting XRP could outperform Ethereum in institutional adoption due to its established payments network and lower feesXRP Ledger’s Q2 2025 Performance: A Deep Dive into Price …^[7].

Institutional participation has further accelerated with partnerships like Uphold’s integration of XRP Ledger version 2.5.0, which supports a permissioned decentralized exchange for regulated entitiesXRP Ledger Skyrockets in 2025 Fueled by ETF Approvals, EVM^[8]. Additionally, Ondo Finance’s tokenized U.S. Treasuries product (OUSG) on the XRP Ledger highlights the asset class’s growing appeal for institutional-grade assetsXRP Ledger Skyrockets in 2025 Fueled by ETF Approvals, EVM^[8]. The EVM sidechain’s interoperability with Ethereum via bridges to 35+ blockchains has also spurred cross-chain activity, positioning XRP as a hub for multi-chain DeFiXRP ETFs 2025: Why Wall Street’s Dark Horse Could Surprise …^[10].

Market dynamics reflect this momentum, with XRP’s price reaching a multi-year high of $3.66 in July 2025XRP ETFs 2025: Why Wall Street’s Dark Horse Could Surprise …^[9]. Analysts attribute this to the convergence of regulatory clarity and technical innovation. Projections suggest XRP could trade between $50 and $100 by 2035 if ETFs drive sustained institutional demand. However, risks remain, including potential SEC delays or rejections, which could stifle short-term gains.

Looking ahead, October 2025 decisions on ETFs and Ripple’s pending national bank charter application are critical. A dual approval could institutionalize XRP as both an investable asset and a utility token, reinforcing its position in the financial ecosystem. Conversely, rejections might prolong regulatory uncertainty, limiting broader adoption. For now, the XRP Ledger’s blend of regulatory progress, technical advancements, and institutional interest underscores its potential to reshape the crypto landscape in 2025 and beyond.