The XRP Ledger, a blockchain associated with cross-border payments firm Ripple, has launched its EVM sidechain on mainnet, enabling developers to build, port, and deploy cross-chain Ethereum-compatible applications within its ecosystem. The XRPL EVM Sidechain, a parallel-running blockchain, integrates the XRP Ledger's low-cost transaction capabilities with Ethereum's smart contract functionality, opening the door to new classes of decentralized apps — including lending, tokenization, and payments — on infrastructure optimized for speed, security, and scale, according to a statement shared with The Block. "The XRPL EVM Sidechain introduces a flexible environment for developers to deploy EVM-based applications, while maintaining a connection to the XRPL's efficiency," Ripple CTO and co-creator of the XRP Ledger, David Schwartz, said. "It extends the capabilities of the ecosystem without changing the fundamentals that make the XRPL reliable." The XRPL EVM Sidechain was developed through a collaborative effort by Ripple, Peersyst, and Axelar — leveraging Evmos' software stack. While the XRP Ledger already supported limited native smart contract programmability, it did not previously support the EVM. However, Flare Network, which integrates with XRPL, also separately provides smart contract functionality using an EVM-compatible layer. "With the launch of XRPL EVM, we're unlocking a new era for XRP — one where it can flow seamlessly across the multichain world," Peersyst founder and CEO Ferran Prat said. "This isn’t the finish line; it’s Day 1 of a much bigger journey toward interoperability, programmability, and utility at scale." The sidechain connects to the XRPL mainnet via Axelar as the exclusive bridge for transferring assets such as wrapped XRP, which will serve as the native gas token. Axelar also connects to over 80 other blockchain networks. "Crypto is entering an exciting phase as institutions and enterprises are pursuing compelling new use cases," Axelar co-founder Georgios Vlachos said. "The XRP Ledger EVM Sidechain is positioned to capture this rising demand and Axelar is the secure, institutional-grade connector that will make it possible." The XRPL EVM claims to have already attracted DeFi projects, including Band Protocol, Grove, and Squid, with tooling provided by Blockscout and Goldsky and apps like Strobe, Securd, and Vertex to follow. The sidechain is also set to integrate Wormhole, a leading cross-chain interoperability protocol that connects over 200 applications across more than 35 blockchain networks.