Ripple’s latest move to launch an Ethereum-compatible EVM sidechain on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is set to bring a wave of developers into its ecosystem. Announced by Ripple CTO David Schwartz, the sidechain was launched in June and uses XRP as its native token while supporting smart contracts written in Solidity.
The goal? Make XRPL more accessible to Ethereum developers and expand its DeFi capabilities. With just 168 developers currently, XRPL lags behind Ethereum’s 8,500 and Solana’s 4,000. But Schwartz sees this sidechain as a long-term solution, offering growth without changing XRPL’s core strengths.
Currently, the XRPL DeFi space holds $94,000 in total value, led by Moai Finance. Ripple plans to push adoption through grants, institutional partnerships, and community incentives. This cross-chain approach combines XRPL’s speed with Ethereum’s flexibility, positioning XRPL in the rising trend of multi-chain ecosystems.
Though progress is slow, Schwartz believes the EVM sidechain will drive innovation and new applications. As interest in interoperability grows, this move could redefine XRPL’s role in the blockchain landscape.
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