XRP is emerging as a serious contender in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) showing the potential to surpass dominant platforms like Ethereum and Solana.
XRP is emerging as a serious contender in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) showing the potential to surpass dominant platforms like Ethereum and Solana. According to a recent thread by prominent community figure All Things XRP, several unique advantages are setting the stage for XRPL to become DeFi’s next big innovator.
For years, Ethereum and Solana have been at the forefront of DeFi, hosting a multitude of decentralized applications and protocols. However, challenges associated with these platforms may be opening doors for fresh competitors like XRP to gain market share.
All Things XRP points out that Ethereum’s biggest drawback is its high transaction fees, often ranging between $20 to $70 per transaction. This cost significantly limits accessibility and scalability for users and developers alike. While Ethereum remains a powerhouse, the steep fees have led many in the community to seek alternatives.
Solana, though appealing due to its speed and low transaction fees, continues to grapple with technical stability issues. It has suffered multiple network outages over the years, and concerns about centralization persist due to the relatively small number of validators managing the network.
In contrast, XRPL presents a compelling case: quick settlement times, affordable transaction fees, and increased reliability. All Things XRP calls it “DeFi’s next dark horse,” emphasizing the ledger’s readiness to disrupt the current order.
One of the upcoming game-changers for XRPL is its Hooks functionality. These programmable elements are slated to bring smart contract-like capabilities to the ledger while maintaining efficiency. Unlike conventional smart contracts, Hooks offer lightweight programmability, enabling seamless operations like automated payments, yield farming, and decentralized lending at minimal cost and high speeds.
Despite Hooks still being in development, real-world use cases are already emerging for XRP. Recently, CryptoTradingFund managed to handle $2.23 million in transaction volume during its beta testing phase. Interestingly, companies like Amazon and Walmart are reportedly vendors associated with the platform, signaling early institutional and commercial interest in XRPL-based solutions.
The XRP Ledger also stands out because of its strong institutional support. Its backing by multiple banks and launch of traditional finance-oriented initiatives like the RLUSD stablecoin enhances the bridge between the decentralized and traditional financial sectors. Additionally, anticipation is growing around potential XRP ETFs, which could significantly elevate its adoption and liquidity.
XRP’s global outlook is also bolstered by favorable regulatory treatment in key jurisdictions. All Things XRP underscores that countries in regions like the United Arab Emirates and the European Union have afforded XRP more regulatory clarity than Ethereum. This gives XRPL a notable edge as compliance becomes increasingly critical for DeFi platforms operating on a global scale.
Regarding concerns over decentralization, the community influencer defends XRPL by highlighting its unique consensus mechanism. Unlike Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake or Solana’s Proof-of-History models, the XRP Ledger uses a consensus protocol tailored for both speed and resilience, attributes highly valued in the DeFi ecosystem.
Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused
All Things XRP concludes by emphasizing that XRPL doesn’t need to mimic Ethereum or Solana to succeed. Instead, its edge lies in capturing DeFi use cases where rapid transaction speeds and minimal costs are vital. As XRPL continues to evolve and gain traction, it may very well redefine the competitive landscape of decentralized finance.
Quick Summary
XRP is emerging as a serious contender in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) showing the potential to surpass dominant platforms like Ethereum and Solana.
Source
Information sourced from official Ripple publications, institutional research, regulatory documentation and reputable crypto news outlets.
Author
Ripple Van Winkle is a cryptocurrency analyst and founder of XRP Right Now. He has been active in the crypto space for over 8 years and has generated more than 25 million views across YouTube covering XRP daily.
Editorial Note
Opinions are the author's alone and for informational purposes only. This publication does not provide investment advice.

