XRP Ledger vs Chainlink: Messari Report Highlights Which Is Driving Greater Institutional Adoption

A recent report has compared the XRP Ledger to Chainlink, highlighting their similarities, differences, and institutional adoption trajectory.

Prominent crypto research firm Messari painted this picture in a recent piece published on May 25. The report dissected the XRP Ledger and Chainlink’s blockchain, highlighting their technological niches and which is best suited for institutional adoption.

XRP Ledger vs Chainlink

According to the reports, the XRP Ledger is a decentralized public blockchain designed by Ripple Labs to drive a fast, cost-effective, and efficient cross-border settlement system. It leverages distributed ledger technology to facilitate payments, decentralized exchange (DEX) operations, and real-world asset tokenization.

Meanwhile, Chainlink is an Ethereum layer-2 network that provides decentralized oracles and cross-chain products (CCIP). The protocol offers data feeds such as prices and weather for smart contracts, ensuring blockchains can access external data and systems.

XRP Ledger’s native token, XRP, ranks fourth on the crypto market cap standings with a valuation of $137 billion and a circulating supply of 58.6 billion. Chainlink’s LINK ranks 13th with a cap of $10 billion and a supply of 657 billion tokens.

Target Users

The XRPL architects built the network for blockchain-based payment solutions. The network targets large financial institutions, simplifying cross-border payments and settlement while allowing other features like tokenization.

Moreover, XRPL developers are expanding the network’s technology to adapt to decentralized finance (DeFi), with planned upgrades to introduce lending and native yield-bearing functionalities for users. RippleX has also teased Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility with the imminent launch of an EVM sidechain.

Meanwhile, Chainlink’s data supply business targets DeFi, CeFi, and platforms that need real-time data. Although it does not have native smart contract capabilities, its infrastructure is crucial for smart contract functionalities on other blockchains. Furthermore, Chainlink provides the foundation for institutional use cases in real-world asset tokenization.

Institutional Traction

The XRP Ledger’s focus on payment is gaining traction among prominent institutions. Ripple, a core contributor to the network, has partnered with multiple central banks and large financial institutions globally to offer a wide range of services, including efficient cross-border payment and CBDC platforms.

Recently, Ripple partnered with South Korea’s BDACS to offer institution-grade custody services for XRP and RLUSD. Last year, the firm collaborated with Clear Junction to boost cross-border payments in GBP and Euro.

Meanwhile, Chainlink’s CCIP has also seen notable institutional traction. Large firms like BNY Mellon, Citibank, and Euroclear have adopted the data infrastructure. SWIFT has also partnered with Chainlink to enhance cross-chain tokenized asset transfer.

Chainlink Collaboration With XRP Ripple

Ripple recently integrated Chainlink’s infrastructure to boost the adoption of the RLUSD stablecoin. The partnership saw the cross-border payment giant tap Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network for real-time price feeds for RLUSD on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum.

While both chains play different roles in the crypto landscape, Messari noted that the recent collaboration signifies that the future of blockchain technology does not hinge on competition but on strategic partnerships.

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