The XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem is experiencing a notable surge in activity and infrastructure expansion

According to a recent report from blockchain analysis firm Messari, the XRPL ecosystem is experiencing a notable surge in activity and infrastructure expansion.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem is witnessing a noticeable surge in activity and infrastructure expansion, according to a recent report by blockchain analysis firm Messari. This development comes as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) marks the launch of regulated XRP futures contracts.

XRPL Ledger metrics post second consecutive quarter of growth

Messari's latest research reveals a robust growth across nearly all measured XRP Ledger metrics in Q1 2025. This marks the second consecutive quarter of expansion since the firm began coverage in Q1 2023.

Average daily active addresses experienced a significant surge of 142% to reach 134,600, highlighting heightened user engagement. New addresses also saw a notable increase, rising to 568,300, a 210% year-over-year increment and 12% quarter-over-quarter.

Receiver addresses outpaced senders for the fourth straight quarter, with daily receiver growth hitting 168% compared to a modest 14.5% rise in senders. This pattern is often indicative of airdrop activity, signaling distribution from a smaller set of senders to a broad base of recipients.

Transaction volumes also saw an increase, with average daily transactions reaching 2.04 million, a 13% quarter-over-quarter rise. Payment transactions showed a rebound, climbing 36% to 1.12 million after a previous decline.

Network infrastructure saw substantial improvement, with the number of active nodes surging by 969% to 9,498. The testnet launch of the XRPL EVM Sidechain on March 31 promises Ethereum compatibility, with mainnet deployment expected in Q2 2025.

Moreover, Ripple's acquisition of prime brokerage firm Hidden Road for $1.25 billion on April 8 further bolsters XRP Ledger's strategic positioning. The deal facilitates XRPL integration into post-trade operations and promotes Ripple's USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD, which saw its market cap jump 304% to $44.2 million in Q1.

International adoption is also escalating. UAE-based Zand Bank and Mamo have integrated Ripple Payments to facilitate cross-border transactions, further establishing Ripple's presence in global financial services.

CME debuts regulated XRP futures contracts

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has officially launched futures contracts on XRP. These fully-regulated and cash-settled contracts are available in two formats: standard (50,000 XRP) and micro (2,500 XRP), both linked to the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate.

The first day of trading on May 18 saw a notional volume of over $19 million, with at least $10 million in the second day of trading. Both standard and micro contracts saw good participation.

Hidden Road, which had a role in clearing the inaugural block trade, continues its involvement in the XRP ecosystem following acquisition by Ripple.

Standard contracts amounted to 7.5 million XRP in volume on day one and 2.95 million on day two, while micro contracts saw 517,000 XRP and 1.2 million XRP in trading volume, respectively.

Industry voices suggest this development could lead to the launch of a spot XRP ETF in the U.S. "Spot XRP ETFs only a matter of time," stated Nate Geraci, President of the ETF Store.

Technical analysts eye breakout potential

Popular crypto chartist Galaxy has drawn parallels between XRP's current price pattern and its breakout trajectory in 2017. “$XRP almost perfectly follows the breakout pattern of 2017 after 6 years of consolidation,” he noted, adding that such prolonged consolidation could precede a significant price move.

This is interesting.$XRP almost perfectly follows the breakout pattern of 2017 after 6 years of consolidation. The longer the consolidation, the bigger the price move they say. Also worth noting that 6 years in crypto are like 60 years in real life. It should be good.

Analyst Crypto Tony has identified $2.50 as a critical resistance level. “Reclaim $2.50 and we are good for new highs. Just a waiting game,” he posted, signaling market anticipation for a decisive breakout.

Together, these technical indicators and structural developments highlight a transformative period for XRP.