XRP Ledger introduces native smart contracts, transforming blockchain development possibilities. Developers gain access to XRPL’s AlphaNet for decentralized app testing. Network achieves 99.999% uptime milestone, reinforcing XRP Ledger’s unmatched reliability. The XRP community witnessed a major shift this week after Denis Angell, a software engineer at XRPL Labs and Xahau, revealed that the XRP Ledger Smart Contracts feature is now live for developers to test on AlphaNet. This marks the first time the ledger has introduced native Layer-1 smart contract capabilities, blending Ethereum-style contracts with XRPL’s unique native features and transaction system. Developers can now explore decentralized app creation directly on the XRP Ledger, expanding beyond traditional token operations. According to Angell, this milestone is designed to give developers direct access to XRPL’s core features without relying on UNL approval, providing flexibility and efficiency in execution. Also Read: XRP Burn Rate Jumps Over 60% as Network Activity Surges and Price Recovers New Phase for XRP Ledger Development The new smart contract framework offers multi-language support and introduces on-chain ABIs, allowing human-readable interface definitions to be stored directly on the ledger. This upgrade opens the door for wide-ranging use cases including cross-chain bridges, advanced DeFi protocols such as derivatives and perpetuals, as well as token utilities with staking rewards for issued tokens. Moreover, developers can build governance models with on-chain voting mechanisms, decentralized gaming systems, and marketplace logic supporting customizable NFT trading rules. The first smart contract extension, known as “Smart Escrows,” will enable developers to create customized release conditions for escrows and is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026. XRP Ledger Growth and Network Performance Besides expanding XRPL’s functionality, the network continues to demonstrate remarkable performance. It recently surpassed 100 million ledgers, achieving an uptime record of 99.999% since its inception. This reliability strengthens XRP Ledger’s standing as one of the most consistent blockchain networks globally. Additionally, onchain data from analytics platform Santiment showed that over 21,000 new XRP wallets were created within just 48 hours earlier this month, marking the highest growth in eight months. The consistent network stability and developer-focused innovations suggest that XRP Ledger is preparing for a new era of decentralized functionality and scalability. Also Read: U.S. Shutdown Extends Beyond a Month, Raising Fears of Economic Fallout and Crypto Uncertainty The post XRPL Labs Unveils Native Smart Contracts on XRP Ledger’s AlphaNet appeared first on 36Crypto. XRP Ledger introduces native smart contracts, transforming blockchain development possibilities. Developers gain access to XRPL’s AlphaNet for decentralized app testing. Network achieves 99.999% uptime milestone, reinforcing XRP Ledger’s unmatched reliability. The XRP community witnessed a major shift this week after Denis Angell, a software engineer at XRPL Labs and Xahau, revealed that the XRP Ledger Smart Contracts feature is now live for developers to test on AlphaNet. This marks the first time the ledger has introduced native Layer-1 smart contract capabilities, blending Ethereum-style contracts with XRPL’s unique native features and transaction system. Developers can now explore decentralized app creation directly on the XRP Ledger, expanding beyond traditional token operations. According to Angell, this milestone is designed to give developers direct access to XRPL’s core features without relying on UNL approval, providing flexibility and efficiency in execution. Also Read: XRP Burn Rate Jumps Over 60% as Network Activity Surges and Price Recovers New Phase for XRP Ledger Development The new smart contract framework offers multi-language support and introduces on-chain ABIs, allowing human-readable interface definitions to be stored directly on the ledger. This upgrade opens the door for wide-ranging use cases including cross-chain bridges, advanced DeFi protocols such as derivatives and perpetuals, as well as token utilities with staking rewards for issued tokens. Moreover, developers can build governance models with on-chain voting mechanisms, decentralized gaming systems, and marketplace logic supporting customizable NFT trading rules. The first smart contract extension, known as “Smart Escrows,” will enable developers to create customized release conditions for escrows and is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026. XRP Ledger Growth and Network Performance Besides expanding XRPL’s functionality, the network continues to demonstrate remarkable performance. It recently surpassed 100 million ledgers, achieving an uptime record of 99.999% since its inception. This reliability strengthens XRP Ledger’s standing as one of the most consistent blockchain networks globally. Additionally, onchain data from analytics platform Santiment showed that over 21,000 new XRP wallets were created within just 48 hours earlier this month, marking the highest growth in eight months. The consistent network stability and developer-focused innovations suggest that XRP Ledger is preparing for a new era of decentralized functionality and scalability. Also Read: U.S. Shutdown Extends Beyond a Month, Raising Fears of Economic Fallout and Crypto Uncertainty The post XRPL Labs Unveils Native Smart Contracts on XRP Ledger’s AlphaNet appeared first on 36Crypto.

                                                                               Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Jonathan Gould says crypto companies should have a path to supervision in the banking system, which can evolve to embrace blockchain.                     Crypto companies seeking a US federal bank charter should be treated no differently than other financial institutions, says Jonathan Gould, the head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).Gould told a blockchain conference on Monday that some new charter applicants in the digital or fintech spaces could be seen as offering novel activities for a national trust bank, but noted “custody and safekeeping services have been happening electronically for decades.”“There is simply no justification for considering digital assets differently,” he added. “Additionally, it is important that we do not confine banks, including current national trust banks, to the technologies or businesses of the past.”Read more