XRPL Expands Institutional DeFi With XRP at the Core of Onchain Finance

• XRPL is building regulated DeFi using Credentials, Permissioned Domains and a Permissioned DEX, with XRP as the bridge asset and fee token.
• XRPL’s roadmap adds tokenization, settlement, and lending tools for institutional onchain use.

Ripple has provided new infrastructure improvements to serve institutional decentralized finance on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This positions XRP as a core network asset for payments, liquidity management, and on-ledger credit. The company said the network now combines real-time settlement with compliance tooling and expanded asset-layer functionality, with a focus on tokenized finance workflows used by regulated firms.

XRP’s role is tied to base-layer mechanics such as reserve requirements and transaction fees, while also serving as an auto-bridge asset for foreign exchange routes and token conversions. The approach is intended to support stablecoin settlement and FX trading on XRPL as institutional activity expands across secondary markets.

On the payments side, Ripple pointed to Permissioned Domains and the Credentials framework as tools that can restrict market access based on verified compliance attributes, including KYC or accreditation. The company also referenced the planned Permissioned DEX, designed to extend XRPL’s native decentralized exchange into controlled environments for regulated FX and token markets. 

Ripple noted that stablecoins, including RLUSD, are settling on XRPL, with XRP used for fees and, in some flows, as a bridge asset between tokens.

Earlier this month, CNF outlined that Permissioned Domains went live on XRPL under XLS-80 with 91% validator support, creating a credentials-based access layer while keeping settlement on the public ledger. XRPL is now set to activate Permissioned DEX within two weeks of validator consensus.

Institutional Features Extend Tokenization, Compliance, and Lending on XRPL

Moreover, Ripple cited Token Escrow support for IOUs, Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs), and Batch Transactions for atomic delivery-versus-payment processes used in cross-asset swaps and similar settlement structures. The company described MPT as a token standard intended to support structured financial instruments by embedding metadata and transfer rules at the asset layer rather than relying on custom smart contracts.

Ripple also linked the institutional roadmap to XRPL v3.1.0, which introduces Single Asset Vaults (XLS-65) and the Lending Protocol (XLS-66) for fixed-term credit markets with repayment automation at the protocol level, while underwriting and risk controls remain off-chain. The update referenced Evernorth’s intent to participate in the upcoming lending system as part of its XRP strategy. 

CNF reported that Evernorth is pursuing a Q1 Nasdaq listing via a SPAC merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II, planning to trade under XRPN and already holding 388 million XRP to offer stock-based exposure.

In addition to Credentials, Permissioned Domains, Deep Freeze, and transaction simulation, Ripple listed several near-term releases. Upcoming releases include the Permissioned DEX in Q2, MPT DEX integration in Q2, and Smart Escrows in Q2. Confidential Transfers for MPTs are scheduled for Q1 and will encrypt amounts and balances using zero-knowledge proofs, while allowing selective disclosure for compliance purposes.

However, XRP price has dipped following the broader crypto market crash, falling 9% to $1.29 at the time of reporting, with a 24-hour trading volume of about $13.4 billion.