Ripple CTO Explores Native XRP Staking on XRP Ledger
Ripple CTO David Schwartz and Senior Engineering Director J. Ayo Akinyele are evaluating a native staking model for the XRP Ledger. They propose diverting programmable transaction fees into a reward pool to incentivize sustainable participation. This discussion follows the launch of the first US spot XRP ETF, marking a new phase for XRP’s ecosystem. Key considerations include designing financial incentives—both rewards and penalties—to ensure value circulation and governance integrity. If implemented, native XRP staking could enhance network security, drive demand for XRP, and reshape on-chain governance structures.
Bullish
Introducing native staking on the XRP Ledger signals enhanced network utility and yields, which historically supports token demand and price appreciation—as seen with Ethereum’s staking launch. A reward pool funded by programmable fees could lock up XRP, tightening supply. These incentives can boost investor confidence, promote ecosystem growth, and strengthen governance. In the short term, market sentiment may turn positive as traders anticipate staking rewards and ETF inflows. Over the long term, sustained staking participation can drive network security and further adoption, underpinning a bullish outlook for XRP.