The XRP Ledger Foundation has presented a roadmap for transitioning to quantum-resistant accounts that will protect user funds from attacks by next-generation computing systems — while not increasing base transaction fees.

Implementing the initiative will require overcoming serious technical challenges and a lengthy development cycle. The project is included in the protocol roadmap for 2027.

What the quantum upgrade is about

A quantum-protected account is a wallet secured by a signature that quantum computers cannot quickly break. The key vulnerability lies in the very mechanism for confirming the rights of the coin owner: with each transaction signature, the account reveals its public key. Consequently, any account that has already sent payments remains vulnerable.

Main changes in the plan:

  • New keys: owners will be able to add a key based on the ML-DSA-44 protocol, approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024.
  • Secure deactivation: after adding a protected key, it will be possible to deactivate the original one, which may already have been exposed.
  • No extra fees: the base transaction fee will not change, and validators will bear the costs of additional storage.
  • More data: a quantum-protected signature takes up 3,732 bytes — by comparison, a standard transaction requires 105 bytes.
  • Timeline: development and audit will begin after migration analysis — no earlier than the second half of 2027 or in 2028.

Developers still need to resolve inconsistencies in the generation of new keys between the Python prototype and other implementations. Auditing this change could cost up to $255,000.

Other networks are also preparing for Q-Day

XRP Ledger is not the only project hedging against the threat of quantum computing. Other major networks are developing plans for Q-Day — the day when quantum computing will be able to break conventional cryptography:

  • Bitcoin: BIP-360, adopted in February 2026, proposes an issuance with protection against quantum attacks. It is not yet active on the main blockchain.
  • Ethereum: the Ethereum Foundation created a post-quantum cryptography team in January 2026. The action plan gradually introduces protection through 2030.
  • Algorand: since 2022, the network has used Falcon signatures for State Proofs — checks of the chain state. Accounts with Falcon protection are now also supported.
  • Solana: Blueshift launched the Winternitz Vault — a storage facility for funds with quantum-protected one-time signatures.

However, these initiatives remain plans for now: full-fledged quantum protection has not yet been implemented on most networks.

Cryptalist analysis: The XRP Ledger initiative reflects the maturity of the industry, which is beginning to prepare for the post-quantum threat long before it materializes. However, the launch timeline of 2027–2028 and dependence on audits create a risk of falling behind competitors — Ethereum and Algorand are already demonstrating more concrete steps. For the market, this is a signal of a gradual shift in the criteria for evaluating blockchains toward long-term cryptographic resilience.