Ripple targets XRP Ledger to be quantum-ready by 2028

Ripple announced a plan to make the XRP Ledger quantum-resistant by 2028, setting a multi-year timetable to update the blockchain’s cryptography and protocols. The company framed the effort as preparation for future advances in quantum computing rather than a response to an active compromise.

The company pointed to recent research from Google Quantum AI, where Google sets 2029 deadline for Post-Quantum cryptography, and other teams, saying the threat has moved “from theoretical to credible.” Ripple warned that adversaries could collect publicly visible cryptographic data on blockchains today and store it until quantum hardware can break current encryption, a tactic researchers call “harvest now, decrypt later.” Ripple added that the findings do not indicate an immediate break but that systems protecting long-lived assets need time to plan a transition.

Launched in 2012, the XRP Ledger is a public blockchain for which Ripple is the principal contributor. XRP is the network’s native token and is among the largest cryptocurrencies by market value, at roughly $100 billion.

Ripple highlighted technical features of the XRP Ledger it says will ease migration to post-quantum algorithms. The protocol supports native key rotation, allowing account keys to be replaced while preserving account history and balances. The company contrasted that with other networks where no protocol-level key rotation mechanism currently exists.

Native key rotation lets users change the cryptographic keys tied to an account without creating a new account or moving funds manually. Ripple said that capability simplifies updating key algorithms because account identities and transaction histories remain intact.

The announcement did not include detailed technical specifications or a step-by-step roadmap. Ripple presented 2028 as a planning benchmark and said developers, wallet providers and node operators will need coordinated updates to key handling, wallet software and node implementations.

Other blockchain projects have announced measures to address quantum risk. Views on the urgency of that risk vary across the industry: some figures downplay an immediate threat, while some analysts describe the transition as a manageable upgrade cycle.

Ripple described the timeline as a preparatory program aimed at protecting assets that are expected to remain secure for many years, and it plans to align protocol features and developer tools with the 2028 target to reduce potential disruption for users and exchanges.