Ripple CEO: XRP Demand Rising as Wrapped XRP Launches on Solana DeFi

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said demand for XRP is increasing as the token gains access to additional blockchain ecosystems. His remarks came after wrapped XRP (wXRP) debuted on Solana via Hex Trust and LayerZero, enabling XRP holders to use a 1:1 backed, tokenized version of XRP in Solana-based DeFi without selling the underlying asset. wXRP is now live across selected Solana applications, RippleX confirmed, after Solana announced the rollout. Hex Trust handles custody of the underlying XRP, while LayerZero powers the cross-chain infrastructure that brings the wrapped asset into Solana's network. Holders can redeem wXRP for native XRP at any time, a mechanism designed to support price parity between the two. The launch extends XRP's utility beyond its long-established payments role, creating new options for trading, liquidity provision, and yield strategies on platforms that do not run on the XRP Ledger. Following the announcement, XRP rose more than 7.5% over the past week to about $1.45. Solana gained 3.6% over the same period to roughly $87.61, with both tokens posting weekly advances as markets digested the Solana-linked expansion. Garlinghouse called the Solana rollout further evidence of expanding demand, tying it to broader access and additional use cases across multiple ecosystems. "Demand for XRP keeps growing. More access, more ecosystems, more utility," he said. RippleX has also argued that cross-chain liquidity is opening new avenues for XRP. The development follows separate industry discussion earlier this week around Ripple's RLUSD. Christian Rau, Mastercard's senior vice president of global digital commerce, said Mastercard is working with partners including Gemini to settle card flows in RLUSD, with plans to bring the setup live in the first half of the year. For XRP holders, Solana provides immediate entry to established DeFi venues. wXRP is available through applications including Jupiter, Titan, Phantom, Meteora, and Byreal, covering token swaps, wallet services, liquidity tools, and trading features. The integration also adds XRP-linked liquidity to Solana's DeFi market and exposes the asset to users who may not have engaged with it via the XRP Ledger. Expanding XRP into additional ecosystems has been discussed previously by Hex Trust, and Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has also supported broader access. The Solana integration turns that strategy into a live product with direct user availability.