XRP Ledger Validators Vote on Native Lending Amendment

XRP holders cannot stake their tokens because the XRP Ledger does not reward validators or mint new XRP. Unlike proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum, the XRP Ledger operates without paying validators, making traditional staking impossible.

However, RippleX, Ripple's development arm, has introduced the LendingProtocolV1_1 amendment for voting. This amendment needs 80% validator support for two consecutive weeks, along with two companion amendments, to enable native lending on the XRP Ledger. If approved, this feature could offer new earning opportunities for XRP holders.

Currently, XRP holders looking to earn yield must use external platforms like Doppler Finance, which has over $130 million in deposits. Doppler offers lending options but comes with risks such as counterparty, smart contract, and cross-network bridge risks. Another option is Flare's FXRP vaults, though Doppler has not yet disclosed yield rates for these.

Until the proposed vote passes, any returns from XRP will involve some degree of risk. Native lending on the XRP Ledger could change this, but for now, third-party platforms remain the only avenues for earning yields.