Blockchain development firm Peersyst has revealed plans for a major new upgrade to the XRP Ledger EVM sidechain, known as XRPL EVM. This sidechain brings Ethereum-compatible smart contract capabilities to the XRP Ledger. The company stated that version 11 of the software will strengthen economic security, make cross-chain operations safer, improve validator management, and enhance the resilience of the network’s infrastructure.
Testnet proposal might arrive this week
According to Peersyst, an initial proposal for the upgrade could be introduced on the testnet as early as this week, with the transition to the mainnet to follow. The XRPL EVM sidechain was first launched on mainnet in June 2025. Since then, the network has undergone gradual improvements, including the integration of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin into the ecosystem in June.
Peersyst highlights that the main goal of version 11 is not to introduce new features, but to make the network more secure, resilient, and easier to operate.
The company also noted that many of the changes introduced in this release may not be immediately noticeable to developers or end-users. Nevertheless, the upgrade is expected to play a fundamental role in ensuring the long-term security and stability of the network.
Two major changes in validator structure
Version 11 brings a range of new developments, particularly in validator management, cross-chain infrastructure, and internal security processes. Peersyst describes this as a security-first update. The highlights include bolstering economic security, reducing the network’s attack surface, and strengthening both the validator and IBC layers.
Mini glossary: IBC refers to the communication layer that enables different blockchains to transfer data and assets between each other. Proof of Authority is a consensus model where validators are selected based on an authorization mechanism, rather than open participation.
XRPL EVM operates using the Proof of Authority consensus model. In this system, joining the validator set depends on approval from a designated authority instead of open staking. With version 11, the standard method for creating validators will be closed after network launch, effectively preventing any party outside the authorized mechanism from joining the validator set.
The update also introduces a significant change in how validators leave the system. Now, validators will be able to exit the network at their own discretion, without having to wait for intervention from the authority. This move is intended to streamline operational processes and provide more flexibility in validator management.
AI-powered audit process
Peersyst also disclosed that the XRPL EVM sidechain now undergoes regular, AI-supported security audits. Version 11 will be the first release to fully benefit from this new end-to-end audit process. The company aims for this approach to make internal security processes more systematic and to support earlier identification of potential vulnerabilities.
The v11 release is described as a comprehensive update package that prioritizes economic security, minimizes attack surfaces, and reinforces both validator and IBC layers.
This approach underscores Peersyst’s commitment to enhancing the robustness and resilience of the XRPL EVM sidechain. The company is focused on long-term improvements rather than short-term feature additions, and these changes are positioned as vital for the ecosystem’s future stability.
Although end-users and developers may not immediately notice direct impacts, Peersyst emphasizes that these underlying changes are expected to fortify the network’s foundation. The improvements align with industry best practices on blockchain security and validator governance.
