Summary: Key Highlights
- Ripple to launch Ethereum-compatible EVM sidechain on XRPL in Q2 2025
- Seamless token bridging via Axelar and Squid Router
- Ultra-fast finality (<4s) and low transaction fees
- Full support for Ethereum tools like MetaMask, Truffle, Remix
- Bridge connects XRPL and EVM sidechain for fluid asset movement
- Built with Cosmos SDK and evmOS
- 87+ projects already building on the testnet
- David Schwartz: “Biggest step yet in expanding what’s possible on XRPL”
What is the XRP EVM Sidechain?
Ripple is set to launch the XRP EVM Sidechain, a game-changing move to bring Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) in Q2 2025. Announced at APEX 2025 in Singapore, Ripple CTO David Schwartz called it the “biggest step yet in expanding what’s possible on XRPL.”
This new sidechain is being built using evmOS and the Cosmos SDK, running in parallel to XRPL. It supports Solidity-based dApps, liquidity pools, token swaps, and yield farming—all powered by XRP in the background.
Why This Matters for XRP and Ethereum Developers
This is XRPL’s first true dive into Ethereum compatibility. By making the XRP ecosystem accessible to Ethereum developers, Ripple is positioning XRP to become a real contender in the smart contract and Web3 space.
Over 87 projects are already live on the testnet, including infrastructure providers and DeFi platforms that traditionally built only on Ethereum.
Jaazi Cooper, Ripple Product Lead, emphasized the momentum: “We’re seeing projects that never touched XRP before, now building fast and furiously on the EVM sidechain.”
Seamless Bridging with Axelar and Squid
One of the most compelling features is a cross-chain bridge powered by Axelar and Squid Router. It allows users and developers to move tokens effortlessly between XRPL and the sidechain.
- Supports XRP and wrapped assets
- Smooth experience for dApp developers
- Maintains interoperability with other Cosmos and EVM ecosystems
This makes it easier than ever to move liquidity and assets across chains with minimal slippage and low latency.
Speed, Security, and Scalability
The EVM sidechain brings together the best of both worlds:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Finality < 4 seconds | Lightning-fast transactions |
| Nearly zero gas fees | Cost-effective dApp deployment |
| Proof-of-Authority | Robust and energy-efficient |
| Cosmos Interoperability | Broad cross-chain compatibility |
These features make the XRP EVM Sidechain ideal for everything from DeFi protocols to tokenized asset platforms.
DeFi and Web3: What’s Coming Next
Once launched, the XRP EVM Sidechain will bring the core building blocks of DeFi to the XRPL ecosystem:
- Automated Market Makers (AMMs)
- Tokenized assets
- Liquidity pools
- Yield farming tools
A recent academic paper suggests that AMMs built natively into the protocol—as Ripple is doing—could reduce slippage and improve trade efficiency compared to traditional smart contracts.
Developer Tools and Ecosystem Growth
Ripple is keeping things developer-friendly. You’ll be able to use standard Ethereum tools like:
- Remix
- Truffle
- Hardhat
- MetaMask
With devnet faucets, bridge tools, and full documentation already live, Ripple is paving the way for a smooth shift to mainnet.
Final Thoughts
Ripple’s EVM-compatible sidechain is a strategic play to bring DeFi, tokenization, and Web3 innovation directly to the XRP ecosystem. By separating smart contract logic from the core ledger, Ripple preserves XRPL’s strengths—speed, low fees, and reliability—while massively expanding its use cases.
This is not just a sidechain—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of XRP-based apps, powered by Ethereum’s most familiar tools and backed by Ripple’s commitment to enterprise-grade performance.