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Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz has welcomed Solana’s integration of XRP, calling it beneficial for expanding altcoin utility across blockchain environments. The move follows the planned launch of wrapped XRP, known as wXRP, with strong initial liquidity. The integration allows token holders to access decentralized finance services beyond the XRP Ledger while maintaining exposure to the same underlying asset.
Schwartz said broader crypto ecosystems improve utility while the XRP Ledger continues to serve as the core settlement layer. His response came after announcements linking XRP to Solana and Ethereum through regulated custodial structures. The development aligns with broader efforts to extend XRP use cases across multiple networks.
The wrapped token will launch with more than $100 million in total value locked. This level aims to support stable pricing and smooth trading during early adoption phases.
David Schwartz described the Solana integration as positive during a public social media exchange. He stated that enabling XRP to operate in more environments strengthens overall utility. He also noted that the XRP Ledger remains the anchor supporting interoperability.
The integration relies on wXRP, a wrapped token backed one to one by the native token. This structure allows holders to use XRP within Solana’s DeFi ecosystem without surrendering asset ownership. Redemption remains available at any time.
Through wXRP, users can lend assets for yield, provide liquidity, trade against SOL or stablecoins, and access tokenized assets. These functions expand XRP’s role beyond payments into decentralized applications.
Custodial firm Hex Trust plans to issue wXRP across several networks, including Solana, Ethereum, Optimism, and HyperEVM. The token will also trade against Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin on supported chains. Hex Trust confirmed plans to integrate additional blockchains later.
The firm stated that authorized market participants can mint and redeem wXRP within a secure and compliant framework. Each token remains backed by the altcoins held in regulated custody. Users retain the ability to exchange the wrapped version for native XRP at a fixed ratio.
Hex Trust Chief Product Officer Giorgia Pelliccari said the launch aims to expand XRP liquidity within DeFi while supporting interoperability with RLUSD. The firm expects the initial $100 million TVL to create a reliable liquidity base.
Vibhu Norby of the Solana Foundation said the integration followed engagement with the XRP community. He explained that discussions helped the foundation understand XRP’s unique history and developer base. These interactions included Ripple representatives and long-time XRP contributors.
The announcement comes amid renewed debate about XRP’s practical value. VanEck digital asset research head Matthew Sigel recently questioned XRP’s financial utility and XRPL adoption. These comments prompted broader discussion across the crypto sector.
Other initiatives continue to expand XRP functionality. Coinbase launched cbXRP on the Base network in June, reaching a $39 million market capitalization. Firelight Finance also introduced stXRP on Flare for staking purposes. Can expanded DeFi access reshape how XRP is used across blockchain networks?
Ripple CTO David Schwartz backed Solana’s XRP integration as wXRP prepares to launch with $100 million in TVL. The move allows XRP holders to access Solana DeFi while keeping one-to-one backing through the XRP Ledger. It reflects growing cross-chain cooperation and expanding XRP utility.
