XRPL launches Ethereum-compatible sidechain

• XRPL EVM integrates Ethereum smart contracts into the XRP Ledger
• New sidechain connects 80 networks via Axelar
• Sidechain has already attracted DeFi projects and integrates Wormhole

The XRP Ledger has officially launched its EVM-compatible sidechain on the mainnet, opening up space for developers to build, port, and deploy Ethereum-based decentralized applications within the XRPL ecosystem. The new development combines the XRP Ledger’s low-cost transaction efficiency with Ethereum’s smart contract functionality.

📣 It's TIME! We are proud to announce that the XRPL EVM Sidechain is now live on Mainnet! 🚀

After 3+ years of research and development with @Rippl to , the network is live providing native #XRP with unlimited new capacities to flow across the entire web3, deploy and interact… pic.twitter.com/ckoplQbnMK

— Peersyst Technology (@Peersyst) June 30, 2025

According to David Schwartz, CTO of Ripple, “The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces a flexible environment for developers to deploy EVM-based applications while maintaining the connectivity to the efficiency of the XRPL.” He highlighted that the initiative expands the ecosystem without changing the foundation that underpins the trust of the XRP Ledger.

The project was developed in collaboration between Ripple, Peersyst and Axelar, using technology from Evmos. The sidechain connects to the XRPL via the Axelar bridge, which also serves to transfer assets such as wrapped XRP, which will be used as the native gas token.

According to Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst, “With the launch of the XRPL EVM, we are ushering in a new era for XRP — one where it can seamlessly flow across the multichain world.” Axelar’s ​​infrastructure connects the sidechain to over 80 other blockchains, strengthening interoperability across networks.

The launch has already attracted DeFi projects like Band Protocol, Grove, and Squid, as well as applications like Strobe, Securd, and Vertex, which are expected to join soon. Tools like Blockscout and Goldsky are also already providing support. The sidechain plans to integrate Wormhole, a protocol that connects over 200 applications across 35+ networks.