XRP Ledger Activates Permissioned DEX For Regulated Institutions On Mainnet

TLDR

Table of Contents

XRPL activates XLS-81 amendment to enable permissioned DEX on mainnet
Access to the new DEX is restricted through credential-based domains
Each domain operates separate order books and currency pairs
Feature allows regulated institutions to trade on-chain under compliance rules

XRP Ledger has activated a permissioned decentralized exchange feature on its mainnet, targeting regulated institutions. The upgrade allows controlled access to on-chain trading through credential-based domains.

The activation of XLS-81 introduces a Permissioned DEX framework on the XRP Ledger. The network aims to support compliant participation while maintaining transparency and security.

Activation of XLS-81 on Mainnet

The XRP Ledger confirmed the activation of the XLS-81 amendment on its mainnet. This amendment enables permissioned decentralized exchanges within the existing network structure.

The feature builds on Permissioned Domains, which were activated earlier this month. These domains define which accounts can access specific trading environments.

⚡️XRPL ACTIVATES MEMBERS-ONLY DEX FOR WALL STREET
The XRP Ledger has enabled its XLS-81 “Permissioned DEX,” allowing only approved participants to trade on-chain.
This is designed for regulated institutions that require strict access controls tied to KYC and AML compliance. pic.twitter.com/nQ8MIkIoEq
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 18, 2026

The permissioned DEX mirrors the built-in decentralized exchange of the XRP Ledger. However, it limits participation to approved accounts within defined domains.

This structure ensures that only verified participants can place and match orders. It also keeps transaction data recorded on-chain for transparency.

How Permissioned Domains Control Access

Permissioned Domains act as gated environments within the XRP Ledger. Each domain sets rules that determine which accounts can trade.

Access is managed through credentials assigned to participating accounts. Institutions must meet domain requirements before they can interact with its order books.

Each domain forms a separate decentralized exchange. Order books and currency pairs exist independently inside each environment.

Trades can only occur between participants within the same domain. Cross-domain trading is not permitted under the current design.

This setup allows institutions to operate in restricted markets. At the same time, the trades settle on the public blockchain.

Focus on Regulated Institutions

The XRP Ledger designed the permissioned DEX for banks, brokers, and regulated entities. These participants often require compliance with sanctions and regulatory standards.

Traditional financial institutions face limits when accessing open decentralized finance platforms. The permissioned DEX provides a structured alternative.

By restricting access, institutions can engage in on-chain trading without entering fully open markets. This model supports internal compliance processes.

The framework allows institutions to tap into blockchain-based liquidity. It also maintains clear audit trails through on-chain records.

The XRP Ledger continues to function as an open network. However, permissioned domains create controlled segments within that network.

Separate Markets Within a Shared Network

Each permissioned domain operates its own market structure. Order books are not shared across domains.

Currency pairs are also defined at the domain level. This approach prevents interaction between restricted and unrestricted participants.

The design preserves the efficiency of the XRP Ledger’s consensus mechanism. Transactions settle using the same underlying infrastructure.

At the same time, institutions gain an environment aligned with regulatory requirements. The network maintains transparency because transactions remain visible on-chain.

The activation of the permissioned DEX on mainnet marks a new stage for the XRP Ledger. It introduces a model where open blockchain infrastructure coexists with controlled market access.

With XLS-81 now live, regulated institutions can participate in decentralized trading within defined boundaries. The development connects traditional finance requirements with blockchain-based systems.

The XRP Ledger positions this feature as part of its broader strategy. The network seeks to support tokenized finance and fast payments while meeting compliance needs.