XRPL Develops Quantum-Resistant Code — A Milestone Bitcoin Hasn’t Reached
Developers on Ripple’s XRP Ledger (XRPL) have implemented and are testing quantum-resistant features on a testnet (AlphaNet), including quantum consensus, quantum accounts, quantum transactions and dilithium cryptography. XRPL contributors say the network now runs a fully quantum-proof setup in test, though signatures are significantly larger — a trade-off for post-quantum security. The work focuses on optional, upgradeable signature schemes to enable wallets and validators to adopt post-quantum keys smoothly before quantum threats materialize. The move is framed as long-term infrastructure planning to future-proof XRPL and could aid institutional onboarding. Commentary from industry figures highlights that major chains like Bitcoin and Ethereum still rely on ECDSA and lag in quantum-resistant development, prompting debate over migration risks and strategic positioning. Key names mentioned: XRPL Labs engineer Dennis Angell and validator developer Vet; pundits and analysts including Sandip, Nic Carter, Jenna and Mickle are referenced in the discussion.
Bullish
The announcement is likely bullish for XRP in both sentiment and strategic positioning. Demonstrable progress toward quantum-resistant cryptography differentiates XRPL from competitors that still rely on ECDSA (notably Bitcoin and Ethereum), which may attract security-conscious institutional users and long-term holders. Short-term market impact could be modest — primarily positive sentiment and increased attention — because technical upgrades on testnet do not immediately change supply, liquidity or on-chain usage. However, if XRPL advances from testnet to mainnet implementations and wallet/supporting infrastructure follow, this would represent a structural advantage that can support higher valuation over the medium to long term. Historically, protocol-level security improvements (e.g., Ethereum’s upgrades, Bitcoin soft-fork preparations) drive positive sentiment and sometimes increased inflows once adoption paths and timelines become clear. Risks include implementation delays, the larger signature size affecting UX and throughput, and market skepticism if benefits are perceived as speculative. Traders should watch: (1) official mainnet upgrade announcements and timelines, (2) major wallet and exchange announcements supporting post-quantum keys, and (3) on-chain metrics (volume, active addresses) for confirmation of adoption. Tactical approach: short-term traders may buy on sentiment dips and monitor confirmations; long-term investors may view XRPL’s quantum work as a catalyst to increase allocation if roadmap and adoption materialize.