Summary
The XRP roadmap focuses on the short term on developing decentralized finance tools for institutions, enhancing interoperability between different networks, and tokenizing real assets, with major updates planned through the end of 2024.
Launch of the RLUSD stablecoin (Q4 2024) to enhance liquidity on the XRPL network
EVM-compatible sidechain aimed at attracting Ethereum and Cosmos developers
1 billion XRP fund for Asia to accelerate network adoption in the region
Details
1. Short-term roadmap (0–6 months)
RLUSD stablecoin: Ripple plans to launch its US dollar-pegged stablecoin on the XRPL and Ethereum networks in late 2024 (XRPL Apex 2024). This currency is expected to increase XRP usage through automatic bridging features between networks, addressing regulatory issues via Standard Custody acquisition.
EVM-compatible sidechain: Scheduled for launch in Q4 2024, it will enable Ethereum developers to build applications on the XRPL using Solidity, with bridges via Axelar to over 55 other networks. This project is awaiting governance vote (Axelar partnership).
Expanding tokenized real assets (RWA): The expanded partnership with Archax aims to introduce "hundreds of millions" of tokenized assets using multi-purpose tokens and new oracles on XRPL.
2. Long-term vision (more than 6 months)
XRPL Foundation overhaul: Transitioning to community-led governance by Q2 2025, with 1 billion XRP allocated for initiatives in Japan and Korea such as the VWBL protocol (XRPL Foundation).
Global regulatory compliance: The launch of RLUSD on two networks tests compliance frameworks across different jurisdictions for institutional decentralized finance.
Expansion in the Asia-Pacific region: The XRPL Apex 2025 event in Asia is expected to see significant growth similar to a 600% increase in attendance in 2024, focusing on markets like Singapore and South Korea.
3. Critical context
Technical debts: Recent delays in the EVM sidechain highlight integration challenges between XRPL's consensus protocol and Ethereum tools.
Regulatory ambiguity: Ongoing resumption of the SEC case (with a decision expected in the first half of 2025) creates uncertainty for institutional adoption in the United States.
Competition: The tokenized real assets sector faces competition from projects like Polygon and Chainlink, although the XRPL offers advantages in transaction speeds exceeding 1500 transactions per second.
Summary
The path for XRP in 2024-2025 depends on the success of RLUSD adoption and the transition of EVM developers, with regulatory clarity needed in major markets. With 1 billion XRP allocated for Asia and institutional DeFi updates, can the XRPL network capture a significant share of the tokenized real assets market before the expected scalability improvements in Ethereum in 2025?$XRP
