Ripple is preparing to launch the XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain in Q2 2025, a development set to bring seamless Ethereum smart contract support to the XRP Ledger. The announcement, made by Ripple executives Jaazi Cooper and David Schwartz at the APEX 2025 summit in Singapore, marks a crucial leap in connecting the XRPL ecosystem with Ethereum’s massive developer network.
What the XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain Will Enable
The upcoming XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain will support Ethereum-based decentralized applications. It will also support smart contracts. Developers will not need to make any major changes to their existing code. As a result, they can continue using familiar tools like Solidity and MetaMask. At the same time, they will benefit from XRPL’s fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transaction layer.
Developer Momentum Already Building on Testnet
Since early 2025, the EVM-compatible testnet on XRPL has seen rapid growth. According to Peersyst Technologies, the core team behind this sidechain effort, over 87 new contributors, with no prior involvement in XRP, have joined the ecosystem. They’re building infrastructure, apps, and utility layers, reinforcing the XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain as a promising platform for adoption.
“87 new entities – with no prior XRP involvement – are now contributing to the ecosystem: infrastructure, apps, and demand generation.”
XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain Unlocks DeFi on XRPL
The launch of the sidechain is expected to usher in a new era of decentralized finance for XRPL. Users will be able to:
- Participate in liquidity pools
- Access DeFi protocols for lending, borrowing, and trading
- Deploy Ethereum-native dApps directly on XRPL
By blending Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem with XRPL’s technical strengths, Ripple aims to make the network a dual-powerhouse for innovation.
Why This Sidechain Strengthens Ripple’s Position
The sidechain is not just a bridge; it’s a strategic expansion. XRPL already processes transactions in 3–5 seconds and boasts low transaction costs and high energy efficiency. Now, with Ethereum compatibility layered in, Ripple is positioning XRPL as a more versatile and competitive Layer 1 solution for developers across both ecosystems.
Ripple’s Broader Vision at APEX 2025
At APEX 2025, Ripple emphasized that the XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain fits into a broader vision of uniting traditional and decentralized finance. By enabling XRPL to interact with Ethereum-based applications, Ripple is creating an inclusive and forward-looking blockchain infrastructure.
A Pivotal Moment for XRP and Ethereum Builders
With the launch just around the corner, the XRP EVM-Compatible Sidechain stands as a pivotal milestone in XRPL’s roadmap. It invites Ethereum developers to explore a more scalable and cost-effective platform while allowing XRP to expand into new areas like DeFi and dApps, without sacrificing its original strengths.
