We started 2025 off in London with a series of firsts for XRPL Commons, hosting three key events aimed at forging new partnerships and bringing the broader XRPL community closer together. From exploring the future of decentralized finance with industry leaders to engaging with academic researchers and hosting our first-ever XRPL Meetup in London, these gatherings laid the foundation for meaningful collaboration and growth within the XRPL ecosystem.
Here’s a recap of our time in London:
XRPL Executive Round Table: Institutional DeFi
We kicked off the week with an executive round table breakfast titled "Deploying Institutional DeFi – The Road to Real-World Integration." This gathering brought together corporate leaders and financial executives to discuss the operational applications of deploying DeFi within institutional frameworks.
Main topics included:
- The basics of Institutional DeFi
- Practical applications and real-world use cases
- Strategies for implementation and operational considerations
We had a fantastic lineup of speakers, including Odelia Torteman from XRPL Commons, Eric van Miltenburg from Ripple, and representatives from our partners Bain & Company and Archax. Each speaker shared valuable insights on how institutions can make the most of DeFi.
Key takeaways:
- Combining decentralized protocols with regulatory compliance
- The need for strategic integration and clear business cases
- Balancing innovation with risk management and cybersecurity
The discussions highlighted some of the key benefits and use cases Institutional DeFi can provide to corporate and institutional players, and its impact on traditional finance, in creating new opportunities for growth. This round table was an important step in advancing conversations about what’s possible in finance.
Educational Gathering at University College London
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Our visit to University College London (UCL) was truly inspiring. The XRPL Commons team attended a session where PhD students showcased their blockchain research, offering fresh insights into current challenges in the field.
Discussions focused on:
- Improving smart contract security
- Solutions for better blockchain interoperability
- How blockchain and artificial intelligence can work together
The students demonstrated innovative ideas that could lead to real-world advancements in blockchain technology. This meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to drive meaningful innovation.
XRPL London Meetup: DeFi and Tokenization on the XRPL
On January 30, we wrapped up our London activities with an XRPL Meetup at the UCL School of Management, welcoming over 70 community members from startups, academia, and industry.
The evening began with an introduction to XRPL Commons, followed by a panel discussion on tokenization featuring Mitko Vlahov from Ripple, moderated by David Bchiri, President of XRPL Commons. Several startups from the XRPL ecosystem also presented their projects, including FriiPay, meCash, and Palisade.
This was our fifth XRPL Meetup, and it was a great success! Many community members traveled from different cities to connect face-to-face. A big thank you to our partners UCL CBT, Palisade, Ripple, the DLT Foundation, and Peerkat for their support.
Looking Ahead
Our time in London underscored the power of collaboration among academia, industry leaders, and innovators in advancing blockchain technology. These events enhanced our mission to build a thriving XRPL ecosystem by connecting diverse stakeholders and fostering meaningful conversations.
Next Stops: Dublin, Brussels, and… Near You?
XRPL Meetups, organized in partnership with local ecosystem players, aim to establish sustainable XRPL Hubs—providing resources, networking, and collaboration opportunities for the community.
This community-driven initiative empowers local organizers to take the lead, with XRPL Commons supporting sustainability, diverse content, and inclusive participation.
We can help cover expenses such as venue, catering, and merchandise, as well as assist with logistics.
Want to co-organize an XRPL Meetup in your city? Let’s make it happen—reach out at meetup@xrpl-commons.org!
