XRP Ledger Upgrade Gains Validator Support, But Resistance Remains

Here’s a clear and polished paraphrased version:

The latest software version is now favored by most validators on the network, but in terms of total node count it still trails the older v3.1.3 release. Meanwhile, the bundled security amendment is progressing more slowly as it undergoes a separate voting process. For the upgrade to fully activate, it requires approval from at least 80% of validators on the trusted list.

The XRP Ledger’s newest server upgrade, v3.2.0, aims to lower operating costs, improve stability, and enhance its appeal for institutional users. While adoption is increasing, it has not yet surpassed version 3.1.3 across the broader network, and its associated security improvements are still awaiting approval through a vote.

Out of roughly 833 active nodes—responsible for storing and transmitting ledger data—around 43% have upgraded to v3.2.0, while about 51% continue to run v3.1.3, according to XRPSCAN.

The update was officially released on June 15.

Although node-level adoption appears gradual, most validators—the key decision-makers in the network—have already moved to the new version.

The XRP Ledger relies on a trusted validator group known as the Unique Node List (UNL). For any upgrade or amendment to take effect, it must receive consistent backing from more than 80% of these validators for a continuous two-week period.

Within the default UNL of 35 validators, 31 have already adopted v3.2.0, representing roughly 89%. This surpasses the required threshold and is the critical metric for determining whether the upgrade is effectively complete, rather than overall node participation.

Security Amendment Still Lagging

Alongside the upgrade is a separate issue that remains behind in progress.

An amendment titled fixCleanup3_2_0 is currently being voted on. Unlike standard software updates, this requires an on-ledger voting process. It includes multiple security enhancements and improvements to newer features such as single-asset vaults, permissioned decentralized exchanges, multi-purpose tokens (MPTs), and the lending protocol—an on-chain system that enables users to borrow against pooled assets.

The amendment also introduces safeguards to ensure that deleted accounts do not leave residual data behind. However, support for this proposal is significantly lower than for the software upgrade itself, highlighting that upgrading nodes and approving amendments are two separate steps.

Ripple, the payments firm behind the XRP Ledger’s creation, has voted in favor of the fixCleanup3_2_0 amendment. Validators that do not upgrade before the amendment is activated risk becoming disconnected from the network, entering what is known as an “amendment-blocked” state.