XRP Ledger Is Taking Early Steps to Address Quantum Computing Risks; Grayscale

TLDR

• Grayscale said XRP Ledger is among the networks preparing for quantum computing risks.
• The report cited Google research urging blockchains to act early on post-quantum security.
• XRP Ledger has tested ML-DSA signatures on AlphaNet for quantum-resistant transactions.
• Built-in key rotation allows XRPL to update cryptography without stopping the network.
• Grayscale said quantum risk varies by blockchain design, governance model, and architecture.

Grayscale has said the XRP Ledger is among the blockchain networks preparing for quantum computing risks. The asset manager made the point in a recent report on blockchain security and future cryptography. The report referenced research from Google on the pace of quantum computing progress.

The report was written by Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale. It said quantum computing could become a challenge for blockchains that rely on current encryption systems. These systems protect wallets, transactions, and other network functions across many digital asset platforms.

Pandl referred to work linked to Peter Schor, a mathematician at MIT. In the mid-1990s, Schor created an algorithm that could weaken today’s encryption methods. No machine can run that process at full scale today, but the report said the risk should not be ignored.

Grayscale also cited a paper from Google Quantum AI. That paper said progress may not arrive slowly and steadily. It warned that breakthroughs could happen in sudden steps, and that makes early preparation more important for blockchain networks.

Google Research Urges Early Preparation for Post-Quantum Security

Google’s research said post-quantum cryptography offers a path forward for blockchains and digital systems. The paper said this field already includes tools that experts have tested and reviewed. Some of these methods are already used in internet security and other environments.

The report said a system with about 1,200 to 1,450 logical qubits may be needed to challenge current cryptography. That level has not been reached yet. Even so, Google and Grayscale said blockchain developers should prepare before that point arrives.

The report also noted that preparation will take time and coordination. Networks may need technical upgrades, developer support, and community approval. Some changes may also bring trade-offs, including slower transaction processing and larger signature sizes.

Grayscale said the timing remains uncertain, but the work should begin early. The firm cited Google’s view that waiting too long may raise risk. For blockchain networks, the shift to post-quantum tools may require years of testing and rollout.

XRP Ledger Stands Out for Testing Quantum-Resistant Features

Grayscale said the XRP Ledger has already started testing post-quantum tools. It named XRP as one of the networks taking practical steps toward stronger security. The report also said Solana has started testing related solutions.

According to the report, the XRP Ledger has tested new cryptographic standards on AlphaNet. These include NIST-approved methods aimed at resisting attacks from future quantum machines. The testing is part of a broader effort to improve long-term network security.

In December 2025, developers added CRYSTALS-Dilithium, now known as ML-DSA, to the developer network. The upgrade supports quantum-resistant transactions, accounts, and consensus features. It is designed to replace older signature systems such as ECDSA secp256k1 and Ed25519.

The report also noted XRP Ledger’s built-in key rotation feature. This allows the network to update cryptographic keys through validator agreement. The change can happen without stopping the system or affecting user accounts. These features are still under testing and are not live on the mainnet.

Blockchain Exposure Differs by Design, Grayscale Says

Grayscale said not every blockchain faces the same level of quantum risk. The firm said exposure depends on how each network is designed. Different models create different technical and governance challenges when developers plan security upgrades.

The report said Bitcoin and Ethereum show this difference clearly. Bitcoin uses a UTXO model and proof-of-work, while Ethereum uses an account-based model. Smart contract support and privacy systems can also shape how a network responds to future cryptographic threats.

Grayscale said Bitcoin may face fewer technical risks because of its structure. It has no native smart contracts, and some address types may be safer when they are not reused. Still, the report said Bitcoin could face a difficult governance process.

One issue is how the community may handle coins tied to lost private keys. The report said possible options include burning them, leaving them untouched, or slowing how they can be spent. Grayscale said reaching agreement on such questions may be difficult, especially in communities with long debate histories.