What the Major XRP Ledger Update Brings to the Ecosystem

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of native programmability.

Jake Claver, a prominent business leader and financial strategist, recently highlighted this development as a crucial step toward enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the XRPL.

This advancement enables permissionless development while maintaining compliance, scalability, and security—key factors for institutional adoption.

Unlike other blockchain networks that prioritized programmability from inception, XRPL has taken a structured approach by first optimizing specific use cases. This new feature set will build on the existing framework, allowing developers to create custom solutions for institutions without compromising efficiency.

Major #XRP Ledger update – Native Programmability. This marks a huge step forward for flexible, permissionless development. It's significant for institutions to create custom solutions that are both compliant and scalable, without compromising on security or efficiency.
1/21🧵

— Jake Claver, QFOP (@beyond_broke) February 25, 2025

The Evolution of XRPL’s Programmability

Historically, XRPL has provided a robust financial infrastructure with built-in tools such as decentralized exchange (DEX) , escrow mechanisms, and tokenization features. These elements are vital for the integration of blockchain technology into traditional finance. However, until now, XRPL has not offered a native way for developers to introduce custom logic directly within its existing features.

With the introduction of “Smart Features,” XRPL is evolving beyond its modular design to incorporate programmability in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, its existing framework.

This means that core functionalities—such as escrows, automated market makers (AMMs), and tokens—can be customized to meet specific regulatory and operational needs. Developers will extend these features rather than create new ones from scratch, leveraging pre-audited code to enhance security and efficiency.

Smart Escrows: The First Step

One of the most anticipated enhancements is the introduction of Smart Escrows. Currently, XRPL’s escrow feature allows funds to be released only based on time constraints or password conditions.

With Smart Escrows, developers can introduce more complex logic, enabling use cases such as Notary-based escrows, where funds can only be unlocked by specific accounts.

Credential-based escrows, require the recipient to hold a specific non-fungible token (NFT) for access. Cascading escrows facilitate structured financial transactions real estate deals or options trading.

The implementation of Smart Escrows will follow a phased rollout, beginning with an early development network (devnet) in Q1, progressing to a fully functional devnet in Q2, and moving toward an amendment voting process in Q3. By Q4, XRPL is expected to introduce a smart contract devnet, which will further expand its programmability.

We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1

— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023

The Future of Smart Features and Smart Contracts

Beyond Smart Escrows, the XRPL roadmap includes the expansion of programmability across various native features. Smart AMMs will allow for custom trading strategies, Smart Accounts will introduce additional security protections, and Smart Tokens will enable regulatory compliance for tokenized assets . Smart Batch transactions will incorporate logic trees, facilitating complex financial operations with streamlined execution.

Importantly, XRPL’s Smart Features will complement traditional smart contracts rather than replace them. Developers will have the flexibility to leverage native building blocks when possible, while still having access to a full smart contract environment for more complex needs.

These smart contracts, which will integrate Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-style logic with XRPL’s transaction model, will enable advanced decentralized finance (DeFi) applications such as derivatives, perpetual contracts, and staking rewards.

Institutional Implications and Adoption

The introduction of native programmability is a strategic move to attract institutional interest. Financial institutions require tailored blockchain solutions that balance efficiency, security, and compliance.

XRPL’s approach—offering modular, customizable features—provides a compelling value proposition for businesses looking to integrate blockchain without the risks associated with untested smart contract environments.

Additionally, while the XRPL EVM sidechain remains relevant for Ethereum developers, the ability to build directly on the core XRPL network offers greater security and efficiency. This advancement positions XRPL as a viable platform for institutional-grade blockchain applications, strengthening its role in the broader financial ecosystem.

As the phased rollout progresses throughout 2025, the impact of these changes is expected to drive increased development activity and broader institutional engagement in the XRPL ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.

Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News