The XRP community is increasingly optimistic that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the XRP Ledger's decentralized exchange (DEX). Key figures, including developers, validators, and Ripple executives, are highlighting the network's progress in decentralized finance (DeFi). XRPL validator Vet recently tweeted that "2026 is the year of the XRP Ledger DEX," sparking discussions about the platform's potential. The XRPL DEX is praised for its speed, low cost, and robust design, which avoids the smart contract risks seen on newer chains. Influencers and validators argue that the DEX remains underestimated despite its long operational history since 2012. The introduction of wrapped XRP (wXRP) and advancements in native lending protocols are expected to enhance the XRPL's DeFi capabilities, positioning it for significant growth. Ripple executives, including former CTO David Schwartz, have supported the expansion of XRP into broader DeFi environments. The launch of wXRP, backed 1:1 by XRP, has already attracted over $100 million in total value locked (TVL), providing liquidity across multiple ecosystems. With these developments, the XRPL is set to enter a new phase, potentially making 2026 a breakout year for its DEX.