- XRPL adds validator as Permissioned DEX rollout accelerates adoption
- Institutional interest grows as XRP ecosystem expands rapidly
- Compliance tools and lending boost XRP network momentum
The XRP Ledger Foundation released an updated Unique Node List that adds a validator named Squid. The update strengthens validator diversity and supports network stability. According to the XRPL Foundation, the change aims to maintain a strong overlap among trusted validators.
Every XRP Ledger server relies on a Unique Node List during the consensus process, and each operator selects validators they trust not to collude. Strong overlap across lists remains essential for consistent ledger validation.
Insufficient overlap could lead to different ledger confirmations across servers, and the network could face the risk of a fork. The addition of Squid signals an effort to keep alignment while expanding participation.
This update arrived alongside a major governance announcement, as the XRPL Foundation appointed Brett Mollin as its new executive director. The leadership change comes during a period of technical upgrades and ecosystem expansion.
Developers also activated the Permissioned DEX on February 18, introducing compliance-focused trading while preserving open network access. RippleX confirmed the open DEX continues to operate in parallel.
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Permissioned DEX rollout boosts institutional readiness
The Permissioned DEX allows traders to set compliance requirements directly within trading activity, while institutions can access shared liquidity and meet regulatory standards. Moreover, Credentials and Permissioned Domains support identity verification and compliance integration across the network.
The first permissioned offer has already appeared on the XRP DEX, signaling early adoption of the compliance-focused framework. Additionally, this launch begins the bootstrapping phase for the new decentralized exchange model.
Both open and permissioned environments operate on the same infrastructure, allowing flexibility for retail users and regulated institutions. Consequently, the XRP Ledger can now serve a broader range of market participants.
Market sentiment around XRP has improved in recent weeks, as social data from Santiment shows rising bullish commentary compared with Bitcoin and Ethereum. The shift follows partnership announcements and continued ecosystem upgrades.
Coinbase has expanded its crypto-backed loan services, enabling users to borrow USDC instantly using XRP as collateral. This development adds another layer of practical utility for XRP holders.
Institutional interest signals growing financial sector attention
Odelia Torteman confirmed growing institutional interest during a Digital Assets Forum interview, stating that major financial institutions, including BlackRock, have shown strong interest in the XRP Ledger.
When asked about Mastercard, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton, Torteman responded with a firm confirmation, highlighting increasing attention from global financial players. Torteman explained that the XRP Ledger supports several financial services use cases, including cross-asset transparent payments, tokenization, and institutional settlements.
She described XRP as a bridge currency within the decentralized protocol, supporting transaction completion and settlement across the network. The validator expansion and DEX activation arrived within days of each other, highlighting a coordinated push toward broader adoption, while governance changes and lending integrations support the growing ecosystem.
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