The evolution of blockchain technology has paved the way for innovative solutions in digital asset management. Recently, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) took a significant step forward by launching its Token Escrow feature on its mainnet, which allows for enhanced management of assets beyond just XRP. This innovative addition was approved by an overwhelming majority of validators and introduced in a recent update to the ledger.
Enhanced Escrow Features for Diverse Assets
The introduction of Token Escrow (XLS-85) on the XRPL represents a monumental shift from using a single asset to managing a variety of digital tokens. This flexibility is essential for many financial activities in today’s digital economy:

- Trustline-Based Tokens: These tokens now benefit from the new escrow functionality, allowing for greater security in transactions.
- Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs): The versatility provided with MPTs grants users a deft way to handle various assets under one roof.
According to RippleX, this feature greatly improves the toolkit available for institutional decentralized finance (DeFi), creating new possibilities for asset management. The XRPL now enables secure and conditional on-chain settlements for a plethora of assets, ranging from stablecoins to real-world assets.
Exciting news! Token Escrow (XLS-85) has launched on the XRPL Mainnet! This transformative feature extends escrow capabilities to all Trustline-based tokens and MPTs. Check it out! pic.twitter.com/DNCJxZsoK2
— RippleX (@RippleXDev) February 12, 2026
The XRPL takes a traditionally manual process, such as escrow, and transforms it into an automated, more secure transaction model. This methodology significantly reduces the risks associated with human error and fraud that traditionally come with escrow services.
To engage with Trustline Tokens under the new framework, issuers must activate specific features that facilitate the locking of tokens. This mechanism gives them the power to manage how and when their tokens can be transacted or transferred, boosting overall trust in the asset ecosystem.
Furthermore, authorization is a crucial component of the Token Escrow feature. If the tokens require authorization, both the sender and the recipient must have pre-approval by the issuer for the escrow process to initiate and complete.
Another interesting aspect is the variety of escrow options available. XRPL supports not only standard time-based escrows but also conditional escrows where various stipulations dictate the release of funds. Key operations include:
- EscrowCreate: Locking funds or tokens.
- EscrowFinish: Releasing the funds when pre-set conditions are satisfied.
- EscrowCancel: Returning funds if the escrow period expires without fulfillment.
It’s worth noting that using escrow services incurs costs, including transaction fees aggravated by additional conditions. Therefore, users must weigh these expenses when structuring their transactions.
RippleX highlighted several practical applications for token escrow, such as:
- Vesting and grant management
- Conditional payments for various use cases
- Over-the-counter (OTC) swaps
- Treasury workflows including legal holds
- Tokenized asset rights unlocks
These new functionalities make structured payments and compliance-driven transactions simpler and more efficient without depending on third parties.
As the crypto market continues to evolve, the XRP Ledger’s latest advancements demonstrate its commitment to providing robust solutions in asset management. The implications for the wider financial ecosystem are enormous.
At press time, XRP was trading at approximately $1.35, reflecting the ongoing market dynamics in the crypto space.