The XRP Ledger Foundation has added Flare Networks to its recommended validator list, recognizing the project's infrastructure contributions and alignment with the ledger's core values. The Foundation noted that Flare actively participates in network governance.
Concurrently, the Foundation removed Anodos Finance after the project requested its removal ahead of a planned validator shutdown by the end of October. The Foundation thanked the team for its contributions and cooperation with the XRP community.
What Validator Changes Mean
The recommended lists maintained by the Foundation and Ripple now contain 35 matching validator keys. Both lists include a validator manifest linked to a domain associated with Flare.
These recommended lists guide server operators in selecting validators to trust when configuring their Unique Node Lists (UNLs). A UNL identifies which validators a server relies on to reach agreement on new ledgers.
Validators support network governance by voting on protocol amendments that change how the XRP Ledger operates. An amendment requires more than 80% support from trusted validators over two consecutive weeks to activate.
Flare's Expanded Role
Flare's addition comes as the project develops services connecting XRP holders with decentralized finance applications. These include FXRP, which uses the FAssets system to bring XRP onto Flare, and Flare Smart Accounts, which allows users to access applications on Flare through XRPL wallets without transferring asset custody to a third party.
Server operators retain the ability to maintain custom Unique Node Lists rather than follow the Foundation's or Ripple's recommendations, meaning the validator addition does not automatically change every XRP Ledger server's configuration.
Validators receive no XRP rewards directly from the protocol for participating in consensus. Their role involves maintaining network reliability and supporting decisions on protocol changes.
