Axelar Network Considers Adding XRP as a Staking Asset for Validators

Popular DeFi platform Axelar Network reportedly plans to expand its support for XRP by introducing the token as a staking asset for validators in its ecosystem.

Eri made the disclosure shortly after an X Space event titled CommonPrefix <> XRP, which featured prominent community voices, including Vet, an XRPL validator, and Dionysis Zindros, the CEO of Common Prefix. Following the discussion, Eri revealed that Axelar intends to deepen its XRP integration by enabling XRP staking.

The initiative would allow validators to stake XRP to help secure the Axelar network while earning rewards in return. Although Axelar has not yet issued an official announcement, Eri suggested the move aligns with the project’s broader effort to “double down” on XRP

Prior Support for XRP

Notably, Axelar is already familiar to the XRP community. Earlier this year, the project joined other platforms exploring XRP-based DeFi use cases on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

Consequently, it partnered with Midas to launch the liquid staking token mXRP. This product allows users to swap their XRP for mXRP and access yield-bearing opportunities, with returns of up to 10% APY.

Now, as Eri suggests, Axelar is preparing to take its XRP support a step further by formally adding the token as a staking asset for validators across its network. Meanwhile, Eri also revealed that the Axelar team plans to bring Solana (SOL) into its ecosystem as early as Q1 2026

XRP Staking and Yield-Bearing Initiatives

It is widely known that XRP’s underlying blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL), does not support native staking. As a result, XRP has lagged behind other established tokens in the DeFi landscape

In response, the community has begun exploring ways to introduce native staking on XRPL. Ripple’s development arm, RippleX, recently featured in renewed discussion around the idea last month.

While these conversations continue, other networks have already stepped in to fill the gap. For instance, Flare Networks rolled out low-risk staking opportunities for XRP holders earlier this year.

Moreover, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson plans to provide XRP community members with higher-yield opportunities. He recently suggested that the XRP ecosystem holds an untapped $100 billion DeFi opportunity and pledged to accelerate efforts to bring this XRP-focused DeFi initiative to market next year.

Meanwhile, Ripple CTO David Schwartz has voiced support for XRP’s expanding DeFi landscape. Earlier this month, he endorsed a newly launched XRP DeFi product from Hex Trust, describing the offering—built around a wrapped XRP token (wXRP)—as a positive development for the ecosystem.