The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has become the latest blockchain to support the x402 open standard for machine-native payments, following the launch of a dedicated "facilitator" by t54.ai. This integration allows AI agents and autonomous software to pay for API calls and digital services directly using XRP or the RLUSD stablecoin, without the need for traditional accounts or API keys.
The x402 standard leverages the HTTP 402 "Payment Required" status code. When an AI agent requests a resource, the server responds with a 402 and machine-readable payment instructions. The agent then retries the request with proof of payment, and the transaction is settled on-chain via the XRPL facilitator. This creates a frictionless, pay-per-request model for machine-to-machine commerce. The facilitator is designed to be plug-and-play, with no custody required, and supports XRP plus IOU tokens like RLUSD and USDC.
Coinbase originally launched the x402 standard in May 2025 as an open protocol for internet-native payments. The XRPL now joins other supported chains like Coinbase's own network and BNB Chain. t54.ai reports the system is already in production with BlockRunAI, a gateway providing access to over 30 AI models (including GPT and Claude), meaning payment volume from those AI requests is now settling on the XRP Ledger.
In a separate but concurrent development highlighting XRPL's real-world asset (RWA) utility, Ctrl Alt and the Dubai Land Department launched Phase Two of their Real Estate Tokenization Project on February 20. This phase enables a controlled secondary market for tokenized properties, with all transactions secured by Ripple Custody and settled on the XRPL. The pilot phase tokenized 10 properties worth over $5 million (AED 18.5 million), with approximately 7.8 million tokens now eligible for resale. Ripple's Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, called the launch "massive" for RWA adoption in Dubai.
This aligns with broader crypto adoption in the UAE, where over 65% of citizens reportedly own crypto and more than 1,800 crypto companies operate. Ctrl Alt is also working with Billiton to tokenize $280 million worth of diamonds on the XRPL. At the time of reporting, XRP was trading near $1.40 with a market cap of approximately $85.72 billion.
