XRPL EVM Sidechain to Boost DeFi with Axelar Bridge Integration

• Ripple’s XRPL EVM Sidechain enhances interoperability and expands XRP Ledger with Ethereum compatibility.
• The blockchain platform prioritizes mainnet bridge security, partnering with Axelar and Peersyst for robust, efficient bridging.
• The UNL validator initially voted ‘No’ on the XLS-38 amendment, awaiting further validation and use cases.

Ripple has announced the upcoming launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain, which promises to enhance interoperability and expand the utility of the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Named after community feedback, the XRPL EVM Sidechain will incorporate Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, opening new avenues for developers in decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

The core of this innovation involves the integration of Axelar Bridge as the exclusive connector between the XRPL mainnet and the EVM Sidechain. This bridge will facilitate the seamless transfer of assets, including the native and gas token wrapped XRP (eXRP), across networks. The focus is on optimizing the security of the mainnet bridge and enhancing the user and developer experience to ensure effortless asset bridging.

Key Priorities and Security Enhancements

As Ripple gears up for the launch, ensuring the security of the mainnet bridge and refining the user and developer experience are paramount. The company is collaborating with Axelar and Peersyst to leverage Axelar’s robust, production-ready bridge technology, which has been integrated by major platforms including Uniswap and Microsoft. Axelar’s network, comprising 75 validators and fortified by key-rotation policies, sets a high threshold against potential security threats, ensuring a secure and efficient bridging process.

The Future of XLS-38 and Ripple’s Strategic Moves

Looking ahead, Ripple plans to closely monitor the adoption and impact of the XLS-38 amendment, which is crucial for developers interested in creating custom sidechains for various applications. Although the XLS-38 amendment will remain active for community voting, Ripple’s UNL validator will initially vote ‘No’, pending validation of the feature based on specific use cases and developer feedback.

In recent strategic developments, Ripple’s acquisition of Standard Custody & Trust Company, now backed by necessary regulatory approvals, has significantly strengthened its infrastructure. This acquisition is a part of Ripple’s broader strategy to enhance its enterprise solutions, which include tokenizing, storing, moving, and exchanging value across its regulated platform.

Engaging with the Developer Community

Ripple emphasizes the importance of community feedback and collaboration in shaping the future of XRPL. Developers and users are encouraged to share their insights and suggestions on the XRPL developer Discord channel, which Ripple considers vital for the continuous evolution of the platform to meet diverse user needs.