Ripple has launched a new blockchain upgrade to the XRP Ledger, unveiling a native lending service tailored for institutional investors. This on-chain feature enables banks and payment firms to borrow XRP through fixed-term loans and isolated positions, marking a strategic shift in XRP's role from a payment tool to a regulated financial asset. The initiative is designed to enhance XRP's utility in credit creation and balance sheet management, potentially tightening liquidity and increasing its adoption among institutional players.