XRP Ledger May Get A Tokenized Gold Upgrade, Web3 Founder Reveals

Overview

The XRP community is buzzing with excitement over the potential introduction of tokenized gold on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Industry experts and developers suggest that the technology is primed for this evolution, which could lead to significant advancements in the utility of the XRPL.

What Happened

Recent discussions among XRPL developers and industry figures have highlighted the readiness of the XRP Ledger to support tokenized gold. Key features of the XRPL, such as 24/7 access, rapid transfer capabilities, and seamless integration with automated market makers, position it well for this development.

Meld, a company that recently partnered with Ripple, has launched gold and silver tokens that are backed by physical metals. Each token corresponds to one gram of the respective metal, held by trusted providers. This initiative marks a tangible step in the evolution of the XRPL, moving beyond theoretical discussions to actual products on the ledger.

Advocates for tokenized gold argue that these on-ledger tokens, which are backed by real physical metals, could significantly alter the use case for XRP and the XRPL. Phil Kwok, a co-founder of EasyA, emphasized the impending arrival of tokenized gold on the XRPL, while validators like Vet pointed out the technical compatibility of the XRPL with this new offering. Vet also raised questions about the slow pace of broad adoption in the market.

Future developments may include features such as lending and escrow services, which could enhance the utility of tokenized metals on the XRPL. However, industry insiders have noted that the absence of clear economic incentives may be hindering the launch of such products. Pano Mekras from Anodos Finance remarked that large firms might hesitate to introduce products on the XRPL without compelling economic reasons.

Market Reaction and Price Action

In response to these developments, XRP’s price experienced fluctuations. Reports indicated that XRP’s price rose above $2 early in January 2026 and reached approximately $2.41 during a broader cryptocurrency market upswing. Following this peak, XRP settled near $2 as traders began to digest their gains, resulting in a pullback of about 14%. However, it is important to note that there is no direct evidence linking the introduction of tokenized metals to these price movements, as market shifts appear to be occurring independently of product launches on the ledger.

From author

The discussions surrounding tokenized gold on the XRPL highlight a significant moment for both the XRP community and the broader cryptocurrency market. As the technology matures and more products are introduced, the XRPL could see a transformation that extends its utility beyond simple transactions. However, the success of these initiatives will depend heavily on addressing the economic incentives and regulatory clarity necessary to attract major players in the industry.

Impact on the crypto market

• Increased interest in tokenized assets, particularly gold and silver, could lead to greater adoption of the XRPL.
• The introduction of on-ledger tokens may diversify the use cases for XRP, moving beyond its original payment functionalities.
• Trading and settlement for tokenized metals could enhance transaction volume on the XRPL, potentially attracting new DeFi applications.
• The need for clear custody arrangements, audit practices, and regulatory frameworks remains critical for the success of tokenized metal products.
• Economic incentives will play a significant role in determining whether major issuers feel compelled to develop products on the XRPL.