As quantum computing advances, traditional public-key cryptography (e.g., ECDSA) faces the risk of being broken by Shor's algorithm. The Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) project was created to build a fully post-quantum secure blockchain infrastructure. Since its mainnet launch in June 2018, QRL has become the first blockchain ledger to achieve complete post-quantum security, providing a quantum-resistant foundation for crypto assets and decentralized applications.
Core Technology: XMSS Signature Scheme
QRL's key innovation lies in its signature mechanism. Instead of using ECDSA like Bitcoin or Ethereum, QRL employs a hash-based one-time extended Merkle tree signature scheme (XMSS). This scheme is recommended by PQ-CRYPTO and is designed to resist quantum attacks such as Shor's algorithm. Due to hash-based signatures, QRL transactions are larger (approximately 2.8 KB per transaction, binary), key generation times are longer, and state tracking is required because each key pair can only be used once safely. Through the Merkle tree structure, a single address can be used to sign up to 2^13 transactions — sufficient for practical use. Transactions include an incremented nonce to help wallets identify the correct MSS key pair. Currently, XMSS and W-OTS+ signatures are natively supported.
Consensus Mechanism and Roadmap
QRL launched with a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus using the Cryptonight algorithm. According to the project roadmap, the network will transition to proof-of-stake (PoS) using a signed iterative hash chain reveal scheme that is both probabilistic and random. This transition aims to improve energy efficiency and scalability while maintaining quantum resistance.
Token Supply and Storage
As of May 25, 2026, QRL has a circulating supply of 70,941,734 tokens, with a maximum supply of 105,000,000. Its all-time high price (ATH) is $4.17. Users can store QRL in multiple ways: custodial wallets on cryptocurrency exchanges (no private key management), self-custody wallets (browser, mobile, or desktop), hardware wallets, third-party crypto custody services, or paper wallets. Each method offers different trade-offs between convenience and security.
QRL is not only a store of value resistant to quantum computing threats but also an ecosystem that allows developers to build blockchain applications on a provably quantum-resistant foundation. As quantum computing approaches practical relevance, QRL's long-term value proposition becomes increasingly important.