XRP News Today: XRP Ledger to Launch EVM-Compatible Sidechain in Q2 2025

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has officially confirmed the launch of the XRP Ledger’s highly anticipated Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible sidechain, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. This new sidechain is designed to enable seamless interoperability between the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, thereby enhancing cross-chain decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities and expanding the XRPL ecosystem.

According to Peersyst Technology, the developer behind the sidechain, several prominent DeFi projects such as Strobe Finance and Vertex Protocol are already building on this upcoming platform. This early adoption underscores the growing confidence in XRPL’s enhanced capabilities and its potential to attract a broader developer community. The sidechain leverages Cosmos’s evmOS stack, combining XRPL’s transaction efficiency with Ethereum’s smart contract versatility, thereby creating a powerful hybrid environment for decentralized applications.

The XRPL sidechain initiative was initially announced by Peersyst Technology with a devnet release in October 2022, followed by a successful primary launch. After months of iterative improvements, a testnet was rolled out in June 2023, allowing developers to experiment and optimize their applications ahead of the mainnet launch. This phased approach highlights the commitment to robust testing and security, ensuring the sidechain’s readiness for real-world deployment. The sidechain operates in parallel to the existing XRP Ledger, maintaining its core benefits while introducing advanced smart contract functionality.

Integrating EVM compatibility into the XRP Ledger ecosystem positions Ripple to better compete with other blockchain platforms that support smart contracts and DeFi applications. This move not only enhances XRPL’s utility but also aligns with broader industry trends favoring interoperability and multi-chain ecosystems. By facilitating easier asset transfers and decentralized application deployment, the sidechain could attract institutional and retail interest, potentially increasing XRP’s adoption and liquidity. Industry experts anticipate that this development will strengthen Ripple’s role in the evolving blockchain landscape.

The upcoming launch of the XRP Ledger’s EVM-compatible sidechain represents a strategic advancement, combining XRPL’s efficiency with Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities. With key DeFi projects already committed to building on this platform, the sidechain is set to enhance interoperability and expand the XRPL ecosystem significantly. As Ripple prepares for this milestone in Q2 2025, market participants should watch closely for the new opportunities this integration will unlock across decentralized finance and cross-chain applications.