Ripple has unveiled a multi-phase roadmap to prepare its XRP Ledger (XRPL) for a post-quantum future, aiming to be fully ready by 2028.

The announcement comes as advances in quantum computing raise concerns that the cryptography currently used on many blockchains could eventually be compromised, potentially putting long-term users and high-value accounts at risk.

XRPL in the face of post-quantum risk

Ripple said the urgency is linked to Google’s recent Quantum AI findings from earlier this month. According to these results, the cryptographic methods that most blockchains currently rely on can be cracked by sufficiently advanced quantum computers.

In the case of XRPL, the problem is not theoretical. Every time an account signs a transaction, its public key is exposed on the chain. In post-quantum worldthis exposure could later be exploited, creating risk, especially for accounts that hold value over a long period of time.

However, Ripple stressed that XRPL already includes built-in features that support forward migration. One of the key features is native key rotation. This allows users to retire potentially sensitive keys over time without having to change their underlying accounts.

The company also highlighted XRPL seed-based key generationwhich enables deterministic derivation of novel keys. Ripple said this feature is essential for any coordinated transition because it allows users to securely generate and manage novel key materials.

While these features are not “post-quantum solutions” in themselves, Ripple argued that they are fundamental parts of the protocol – providing XRPL with a practical migration path that would otherwise have to be built from scratch on many other networks.

Ripple’s contingency plan

On Monday blog entryRipple said the novel roadmap is based on two parallel priorities: preserving XRPL’s strengths today as it works toward a post-quantum transition, and preparing for contingencies to limit disruption if a so-called “Q Day” unexpectedly arrives.

According to Ripple’s plan, Phase 1 focuses on post-quantum recovery and Q-Day readiness. Ripple says that in a scenario where classical cryptography collapses, XRPL will launch a contingency plan to safely migrate to post-quantum cryptography.

The bulk of Phase 1 is enabling secure recovery for all account owners. Ripple said one of the approaches it is exploring involves using post-quantum solutions zero knowledge proofs to prove ownership of existing keys without revealing them, allowing users to migrate funds even if their cryptography is already compromised.

Phase 2 will run through the first half of 2026 and includes a full quantum risk assessment of the network and an assessment of how post-quantum changes will impact transaction performance, storage and throughput.

Ripple also said it is working with Project Eleven to accelerate early experiments, including validator-level testing, Devnet benchmarks and a post-quantum deposit wallet prototype, which it says will facilitate move the roadmap to phase two.

Last step to 2028

Phase 3, scheduled for the second half of 2026, focuses on exploring post-quantum primitives beyond signatures. Post-quantum signature schemes will be integrated with existing elliptic curve signatures, starting with Devnet, to allow developers to test performance, usability, and system impact without disrupting the network.

In Phase 4, Ripple plans to fully transition to post-quantum signatures no later than 2028. Ripple has stated that at this stage it will move from testing to implementation across the entire XRPL ecosystem.

The company added that the work at this stage is not only about cryptography, but also about not breaking what is already running on XRPL. Ripple stated that coordination with ecosystem partners will be imperative to ensure the transition is glossy and secure for all accounts.

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