XRP Ledger validators vote on native lending, price faces $1.60 resistance

Amendments introduce native lending and borrowing

Two amendments, XLS-65 and XLS-66, underpin the initiative to bring native lending and borrowing to the XRP Ledger. XRPL Commons, a non-profit focused on XRP Ledger development, described the proposal as an effort to integrate lending directly into the protocol, eliminating the need for separate smart contract systems. Both amendments currently await validator approval before they can be implemented on the mainnet.

XLS-65 details the design of single-asset vaults, allowing users to deposit assets such as XRP or RLUSD and receive pool shares based on their contribution. The vault structure is intended to simplify asset management for both depositors and potential borrowers.

Mini dictionary: XRPL Commons is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the adoption and development of the XRP Ledger through advocacy, education, and technical projects.

The XLS-66 amendment proposes a protocol for loan issuance through brokers using a fixed-term structure. The network will monitor the tracking of loans, repayments, and any defaults, but lenders and brokers retain responsibility for credit verification and risk assessment. The framework includes an option for brokers to provide first-loss capital, which partially covers defaults but does not eliminate depositor risk.

LendingProtocolV1_1 and network approval

A further amendment, LendingProtocolV1_1, seeks to define clear phases for deposits, lending, withdrawals, and interest income recognition. These rule changes will only come into force if approved by over 80% of trusted validators for two consecutive weeks. As of now, neither XLS-65 nor XLS-66 has passed the required threshold, leaving the launch date for native lending unconfirmed.

The integration of a native lending protocol would expand the XRP Ledger’s financial services, but the effect on XRP demand will likely depend on what types of assets market participants choose for collateral and borrowing. For example, vaults backed by XRP will provide XRP loans, whereas vaults using RLUSD or other issued tokens will offer loans in those assets instead. In all scenarios, XRP will remain essential for network fees and account balances.

In context with institutional lending, RLUSD working capital is intended for use by fintech and payments companies, enabling them to borrow using the stablecoin. Adoption of products built on the new protocol will not necessarily require direct purchases of XRP by participants.

Batch settlements and price outlook

Another update, the BatchV1_1 amendment, is set for activation on September 29 if validator support holds. BatchV1_1 would enable grouped settlements to succeed or fail collectively, streamlining transaction execution on the ledger.

XRP’s price movement on September 23 reflected ongoing volatility. The token opened at $1.57, climbed to $1.6581, and then retreated sharply to $1.5070, finally settling near $1.51 for the session. The $1.60 level remains key immediate resistance. If XRP breaks above this level, the prior session high at $1.66 would be the next target, while $1.70 stands as another reference from previous action.

Technical analysis shows the 20-day simple moving average near $1.40, with other moving averages converging around $1.28 to $1.29. A drop below $1.40 could shift focus to these lower averages. The 20-day Chaikin Money Flow measured at −0.09, indicating weak buying pressure despite temporary gains.

XRP’s session failed to confirm a sustained break above the $1.60 resistance level, leaving the next move dependent on further momentum and potential protocol updates.

At present, the vote on native lending remains independent of daily XRP price activity. If amendments are approved, the protocol is expected to proceed to mainnet, enabling new deposit and loan options for users. For now, price movement remains tied to the $1.60 barrier as the first significant test.