Ripple Prepares XRPL for Quantum Apocalypse
Ripple is taking proactive steps to prepare its XRP Ledger (XRPL) for a post-quantum future. According to its roadmap, published on April 20 by senior director of engineering Ayo Akinyele, candidate post-quantum signature schemes will run alongside elliptic-curve signatures on the Devnet in the second half of 2026.
The plan aims to have a network-wide amendment and full transition to post-quantum cryptography no later than 2028. Partner Project Eleven is building a hybrid signing prototype and a quantum-safe custody wallet. Ripple is also designing for cryptographic agility, with support for multiple NIST-standardized algorithms so the ledger can adapt as the post-quantum field matures.
In an emergency scenario known as 'Q-Day', classical signatures would no longer be accepted by the network, and all funds would need to move to quantum-safe accounts. Ripple is studying post-quantum zero-knowledge proofs to allow owners to prove control of existing keys without exposing them.