• Ripple explores adding staking to XRPL to expand its role in decentralized finance (DeFi).
• Staking could enhance network security and drive long-term participation on the XRPL.
• Two approaches to integrate staking while preserving XRPL’s trust-based consensus model are under review.

Ripple is considering introducing staking to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a move that could expand its presence in decentralized finance (DeFi). This potential shift was sparked by a blog post from J. Ayo Akinyele, head of engineering at RippleX. Akinyele discussed in the post how staking could enhance the utility of XRP and provide fresh incentives for validators and token holders.

In the present time, the XRP Ledger burns transaction fees to make its supply deflationary. A significant reform of this system would be required to introduce staking. Akinyele is optimistic that staking would enhance the security of the network by rewarding the holders of consensus. It is also likely to inspire a long-term engagement and draw more users to the network.

Ripple’s Strategy to Evolve XRPL for DeFi and Cross-Border Payments

Ripple is investigating the addition of new capabilities to XRPL, such as staking, to remain competitive. Blockchain has already succeeded in exchange-traded products and also in corporate treasuries. Nonetheless, Ripple is also considering the way staking can make the network compete within the expanding DeFi market. 

Staking would provide economic incentives for the validators to act in the best interests of the network. This would significantly enhance the XRPL ecosystem, which currently focuses on cross-border payments.

The existing XRP Ledger architecture revolves around trust and not financial incentives. It has a Proof of Association model that underpins it with trust, rather than financial rewards. The introduction of staking might go against this principle. Nonetheless, Ripple is developing options that will solve such issues and broaden the possibilities of the ledger.

Also Read: XRP Ledger Powerfully Unlocks Bold New Use Cases

Schwartz Details Two Staking Solutions for XRPL

David Schwartz, the CTO of Ripple, discussed two ways staking can be added to XRPL. The former is based on a two-layered consensus model. This would entail a small group of 16 incentivized validators selected from amongst the larger group. These validators would operate on slashing and staking to further the ledger, and the overarching set of validators would administer governance.

The second alternative would maintain the existing model of consensus at XRPL. Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) verification would be funded through transaction fees, and the participants will be able to verify transactions, preserving sensitive information. This approach would retain the system trust-minimized and would add staking.

The two methods are still at their beginning stages. According to Schwartz, the major engineering effort would be a requirement, and staking was not likely to come to XRPL any time soon. The firm should consider the risks and expenses of a change so profound before proceeding with it.

The legal head of Ripple, Stu Alderoty, also talked about the wider trends in the crypto space. He endorsed a suggestion made by Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller. That concept would enable crypto companies to gain admission to skinny Fed accounts, which would enable them to circumvent the banking system. Ripple views this proposal as a paradigm change to the world of digital assets.

Also Read: 21Shares XRP ETF Gains SEC Approval to List on Cboe Under “TOXR” Ticker