XRP Ledger Launches EVM Sidechain in Q2

XRP Ledger is set to expand its ecosystem this year with the introduction of its highly anticipated Ethereum-compatible sidechain, a strategic move bringing increased utility and interoperability for the blockchain. Announced during the APEX 2025 conference in Singapore, Ripple’s Director of Product Management, Jaazi Cooper, and Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, confirmed that the XRP Ledger EVM sidechain will officially launch in the second quarter of 2025.

This Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility means that developers can now run Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dApps) and execute smart contracts directly on the XRP Ledger, without having to leave the ecosystem. This represents a milestone not just for Ripple and XRP users, but also for developers who aim to leverage the speed, efficiency, and scalability of the XRP Ledger while maintaining access to the Ethereum development stack.

The EVM sidechain has already gone live in testnet form earlier this year, and its growth has surpassed expectations. According to Peersyst Technologies, who is facilitating the development of the sidechain, adoption has accelerated at an impressive pace. “87 new entities – with no prior XRP involvement – are now contributing to the ecosystem: infrastructure, apps, and demand generation,” Peersyst stated on X, formerly Twitter.

This influx of new developers and platforms is expected to significantly broaden the utility of the XRP Ledger. Once the mainnet launches, all testnet contributions and applications will seamlessly migrate to the live environment, marking what could be one of the largest onboarding waves in XRP’s history.

By enabling EVM compatibility, Ripple is bringing decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities to XRPL in a major way. Through the new sidechain, users will be able to participate in a range of DeFi activities such as engaging in liquidity pools, staking, and creating or interacting with smart contracts—all without having to leave the extended XRP ecosystem.

For developers and enterprises, this means greater flexibility in building blockchain applications that can tap into both Ethereum and XRP’s offerings. By supporting Solidity, the programming language used on Ethereum, XRPL’s sidechain acts as a bridge, aiming to bring two major blockchain communities closer together.

This move is part of Ripple’s broader strategy to position XRPL as a foundation for enterprise-grade decentralized applications. With faster transaction speeds and lower costs compared to Ethereum, the XRP Ledger could potentially attract a wave of new projects seeking more scalable solutions without compromising on Ethereum compatibility.

Moreover, with growing institutional interest in blockchain infrastructure that supports multi-chain interoperability and DeFi, Ripple’s leap into EVM compatibility could strengthen its foothold in both developer and investor communities. As more platforms look to deploy dApps that are flexible and performant, this update ensures that XRP remains a competitive Layer 1 protocol in the evolving blockchain landscape.

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

In conclusion, the Q2 mainnet launch of the Ethereum Virtual Machine sidechain for the XRP Ledger marks a significant evolution. It not only brings added functionality for existing users but also serves as a gateway for Ethereum developers and decentralized solutions to integrate into the XRP ecosystem. This pivotal advancement is expected to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to a more connected, efficient Web3 future.