The integration brings XRP and other supported assets to the Axelar App as Ripple and the XRP Ledger ecosystem push deeper into DeFi, tokenization and infrastructure upgrades.
XRP Ledger has launched native cross-chain transfers through Axelar Network, adding both the XRP Ledger and the XRPL EVM Sidechain (Ethereum-compatible sidechain) to the Axelar App. The integration lets users move supported assets across multiple blockchain networks with little to no friction. At launch, support includes XRP, SHx, USDf, SOIL, WETH, WBTC, mBTC, mTBILL and mXRP. The XRP Ledger Foundation said users can now "move assets cross-chain and settle in seconds on the XRP Ledger." The move targets blockchain interoperability, a persistent industry challenge that cross-chain infrastructure aims to solve by enabling more secure token movement between networks, broader liquidity, wider access to DeFi (blockchain-based finance) applications and multi-network asset use for developers. The rollout comes as Ripple and the wider XRPL ecosystem broaden their focus beyond payments. Ripple earlier this week announced investments in ZILO and Licuido after Aviva Investors tokenized its U.S. Dollar Liquidity Fund on XRPL. Ripple President Monica Long said the industry has reached a turning point as financial institutions shift from testing to production deployments, and said Ripple aims to provide the full infrastructure stack for tokenized assets on XRPL. Other recent developments include an XRP Ledger Foundation partnership with Ankr to expand globally distributed XRPL node infrastructure, a collaboration with VS1 Finance on an open-source reference application for lending on XRPL, and preparations for the xrpld 3.3.0 release. XRP Ledger Operations said 100% of dUNL validators had already upgraded to XRPL 3.2.1.