RippleX engineer explores potential for native XRP staking as David Schwartz weighs in on future XRPL design

RippleX Head of Engineering J. Ayo Akinyele initiated a discussion on expanding the XRP Ledger's (XRPL) utility, specifically exploring the feasibility of native XRP staking to align validators and token holders with financial rewards. Akinyele noted that while staking could boost engagement, it challenges XRPL's current design, which burns fees instead of redistributing them, and relies on validator performance for trust. Implementing staking would require a sustainable reward source and a fair distribution mechanism, potentially necessitating a shift from the fee-burning model. Outgoing Ripple CTO David Schwartz agreed it is time to discuss new designs given the network's 2012 origins versus the current DeFi landscape. He mentioned two technically compelling but likely impractical short-term concepts: a two-layer consensus model and using transaction fees to fund zero-knowledge proofs for smart contract verification. Both engineers stressed that these discussions aim to guide the network's long-term trajectory by examining emerging incentive models and governance structures, welcoming community input.

(Source：The Block)