- EVM sidechain is live, introducing smart contract functionality to the XRP Ledger ecosystem.
- XRP remains the core asset powering the sidechain, not Ethereum’s native currency.
- Developers gain access to build decentralized apps (dApps) compatible with Ethereum tools.
- Ripple CTO David Schwartz and EasyA’s Phil Kwok emphasize the innovation’s long-term impact.
Breaking Boundaries: XRP Ledger Welcomes Smart Contracts via EVM Sidechain
In a major leap forward for the XRP Ledger ecosystem, EasyA co-founder Phil Kwok announced that the long-awaited EVM-compatible sidechain has officially launched. According to Kwok, this marks a transformative moment, unlocking smart contract capabilities and expanding development potential while keeping Ripple at the center.
A Strategic Upgrade: Smart Contracts without Sacrificing XRP Utility
Speaking in a detailed post, Kwok reflected on his earlier conversation with Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, at a 2023 event in Tokyo. One key limitation they discussed was the XRP Ledger’s lack of native smart contract support — a trade-off of its original streamlined design.
The new EVM sidechain addresses this directly, enabling developers to deploy Ethereum-style smart contracts without compromising the XRP Ledger’s speed or efficiency.
“It’s a sister blockchain,” Kwok explained, “working in tandem with the XRP Ledger mainnet, not replacing it.”
Importantly, unlike Ethereum, this sidechain does not use ETH as gas. Instead, Ripple emains the main utility token, anchoring liquidity and ensuring tight integration with the mainnet.
Developer Empowerment: A New Frontier for Builders
Kwok believes this sidechain will serve as a gateway for new developers. With Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, those familiar with Ethereum development can now easily enter the Ripple ecosystem.
This paves the way for:
- Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications
- Tokenized assets
- Innovative cross-chain financial tools
Kwok urges developers to start building, especially using educational resources from the EasyA app to quickly onboard and experiment.
Why This Matters for XRP’s Future
This innovation brings the XRP Ledger closer to parity with platforms like Ethereum and Solana, without compromising its original strengths. It preserves speed, scalability, and low-cost transactions while opening up a world of programmable functionality.
Also Read: Ripple CTO On How EVM Sidechain Drives Value to XRP Ledger
Ripple CTO David Schwartz’s vision—shared by Kwok—is clear: the EVM sidechain expands XRP’s role without displacing it. Every interaction, every dApp, eventually traces back to XRP and the mainnet.
What is EVM Sidechain?
EVM Sidechain is a fast and secure sidechain that brings EVM compatible applications to the XRP Ledger
With this EVM sidechain launch, XRP Ledger embraces a future of smart contracts and decentralized innovation — while maintaining Ripple central role. This strategic development offers a compelling case for builders and investors looking toward the next evolution of Ripple’s ecosystem.
