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Ex-Ripple Engineer Claims XRP Built This DeFi Innovation Before Anyone

Ex-Ripple Engineer Claims XRP Built This DeFi Innovation Before Anyone

  • Matt Hamilton says XRPL solved decentralized trading challenges years earlier.
  • XRP Ledger’s order book model operates without requiring AMMs.
  • Proposed lending protocol shows XRPL continues expanding DeFi capabilities.

Matt Hamilton has argued that one of the cryptocurrency industry’s most discussed DeFi innovations was already built into the XRP Ledger more than a decade ago. According to the former Ripple engineer, the network’s decentralized exchange solved key trading challenges years before similar solutions began appearing across newer blockchain ecosystems.


His remarks followed presentations at Solana Summit Germany, where developers introduced Mato, a decentralized exchange designed to prevent front-running and match orders through auctions. While the project attracted attention from attendees, Hamilton said the XRP Ledger addressed the same issue long ago through its native decentralized exchange.


According to Hamilton, development of the XRP Ledger began in 2011 before the network launched in 2012. Since then, its built-in decentralized exchange has allowed users to trade assets directly on-chain without relying on centralized intermediaries.


Hamilton expressed frustration that blockchain developers continue revisiting problems that he believes XRP Ledger technology already solved. He stated that many projects spend significant resources rebuilding systems that have existed on XRPL for years.


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Hamilton Highlights XRP Ledger’s Early Trading Model

In a post on X, Hamilton described the XRP Ledger’s decentralized exchange as the first DEX in the industry. He argued that its design addressed issues surrounding order execution and market efficiency long before decentralized finance became a major sector. Unlike many decentralized exchanges operating today, the XRP Ledger does not require automated market makers for every transaction. Instead, its central limit order book allows users to place buy and sell orders directly on the network.


Additionally, traders can still access automated market maker liquidity when needed. Supporters believe this hybrid approach provides greater flexibility while preserving efficient price discovery. Hamilton acknowledged that it was positive to see similar ideas gaining traction on other networks. However, he warned that the industry’s tendency to repeatedly solve the same problems could slow broader innovation across the sector.


His comments quickly resonated within the XRP community as XRP Ledger validator Vet joined the discussion and suggested that the network’s technology might receive much greater recognition if it were introduced in today’s market environment.


XRP Ledger Expands Beyond Its Original DEX

Discussion surrounding the XRP Ledger’s decentralized exchange comes as the network continues expanding its DeFi capabilities. Community members are currently evaluating a proposed Lending Protocol that would introduce fixed-term lending services through pooled liquidity.


The initiative would allow users to access uncollateralized loans using funds supplied through Single Asset Vaults. Consequently, supporters view the proposal as another step toward strengthening decentralized financial services on the network.


Hamilton’s comments have renewed attention on the XRP Ledger’s early contributions to decentralized trading. By highlighting its long-running decentralized exchange, he argued that a feature now gaining attention across multiple blockchain networks was already operating on XRPL years before many competitors entered the market.


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