XRP Ledger Expands with Wormhole for Multichain Access

XRP Ledger is taking a major stride towards multichain operability through a new alliance between Ripple and the cross-chain protocol Wormhole, solidifying XRP’s place in the evolving decentralized finance landscape.

As the push for seamless digital asset transfers across multiple blockchains intensifies, Ripple has taken a decisive leap by partnering with Wormhole. The collaboration is focused on simplifying token movement, asset issuance, and data sharing between XRP Ledger (XRPL), its upcoming EVM Sidechain, and over 35 other interconnected networks.

Wormhole’s infrastructure already supports more than 200 decentralized applications spanning numerous chains, having collectively facilitated over $60 billion in cross-chain volume since its inception in 2020. This latest partnership now enables XRPL developers to seamlessly utilize these capabilities. With Wormhole, users can transfer native XRP, IOUs, and Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs) across ecosystems, while also executing smart contracts on other blockchains via cross-network messaging.

Through this partnership, Ripple continues to emphasize cross-chain functionality as a pillar of blockchain adoption. According to Robinson Burkey, Co-Founder of the Wormhole Foundation, this development will allow XRPL to connect with more blockchain ecosystems, eliminating many of the traditional hurdles that organizations and developers face in blockchain integration—especially within the enterprise finance sector.

David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that robust interoperability is central to scaled blockchain adoption. He added that assets minted on XRPL can now maintain full structural integrity while moving through alternative networks, enabling new applications in payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the tokenization of real-world assets.

XRPL EVM Sidechain Launch on Horizon

This announcement arrives as Ripple prepares to officially launch its EVM-compatible sidechain. Slated for mainnet deployment in Q2 2025, the XRPL EVM Sidechain—built in concert with Peersyst Technology—introduces full Ethereum compatibility to XRPL. This advancement will enable developers to run Ethereum smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps) within the XRPL ecosystem.

Following its successful testnet debut on March 31, 2025, the sidechain has already attracted over 87 ecosystem participants, including wallets, dApps, auditors, indexers, and development tools. The new sidechain leverages Cosmos SDK and evmOS, combines high-speed, low-cost transactions, and supports mainstream tools such as MetaMask and Truffle. With Wormhole now integrated, it adds a vital cross-chain messaging layer, allowing users to move assets between XRPL and other chains while triggering interoperable smart contract executions.

Ripple’s integration of Wormhole within this environment demonstrates a strategic commitment to a flexible, multichain future. The goal is to create a resilient developer ecosystem where applications can scale securely and connect with a broader blockchain universe.

Cardano Eyes XRPL Interoperability

Ripple’s move isn’t going unnoticed, as Cardano is also laying interoperable foundations with XRPL. Charles Hoskinson, Cardano’s founder, recently shared plans to integrate XRPL-based assets like XRP and RLUSD into the Cardano ecosystem. This would allow users to manage these assets within the native Lace Wallet interface.

A key component of Cardano’s strategy involves its Midnight sidechain, which supports private smart contracts. Midnight aims to become the DeFi layer for XRP, offering confidential solutions such as lending and staking, while keeping XRP on its originating chain.

In addition, Cardano plans to deploy bridges to link XRPL with networks like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. This will further amplify XRP’s utility and accessibility. As part of a broader adoption campaign, Cardano will also carry out a NIGHT token airdrop exclusively for XRP holders, with intentions to expand token distribution across multiple networks.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

Overall, Ripple’s partnership with Wormhole highlights a pivotal moment in XRPL’s evolution, reinforcing its openness to multichain connectivity and preparing it for a future steeped in collaborative, cross-chain utility.