Role
Co-founder & Executive Chairman
Organization
Ripple
Location
San Francisco, CA
Known For
Serial Fintech Entrepreneur
Key Quote
"The Internet of Value will transform the global economy."
Chris Larsen
Serial fintech entrepreneur who co-founded Ripple and shaped its vision of transforming global payments. Previously founded E-Loan and Prosper, pioneering online lending before turning to blockchain-based finance.
3
Companies Founded
30+
Years in Fintech
2012
Co-founded Ripple
The Serial Disruptor
Chris Larsen has spent three decades disrupting financial services. E-Loan challenged mortgage brokers. Prosper pioneered peer-to-peer lending. Ripple is his most ambitious bet: rewiring how money moves globally.
Why He Matters
As co-founder and the largest individual XRP holder, Larsen's vision shaped Ripple's strategy of working with banks rather than against them. His fintech experience brought credibility to enterprise sales.
January 2018: Briefly Richest Person in America
When XRP hit $3.84 in January 2018, Chris Larsen's holdings briefly made him the richest person in America on paper—surpassing even Jeff Bezos. Though short-lived, it demonstrated the potential scale of the vision he helped create.
Career Timeline
1996
Founded E-Loan
Online mortgage company that challenged traditional brokers. IPO'd in 1999.
2005
Founded Prosper
America's first peer-to-peer lending platform.
2012
Co-founded Ripple
Joined Jed McCaleb to found OpenCoin (later Ripple). Became CEO.
2017
Became Executive Chairman
Transitioned to Executive Chairman, handing CEO role to Brad Garlinghouse.
January 2018
Briefly Richest in America
XRP peaks at $3.84. Paper wealth briefly exceeded Jeff Bezos's.
Present
Executive Chairman
Continues as Executive Chairman. Advocates for US crypto policy.
Key Themes
Core ideas that define Larsen's philosophy
Financial Inclusion Through Technology
From E-Loan to Prosper to Ripple, Larsen's career thread is using technology to democratize financial services—giving ordinary people access to better rates, loans, and now global payments.
Work With the System
Unlike many crypto founders who want to replace banks, Larsen has always believed in working with existing financial infrastructure. Ripple's enterprise approach reflects this philosophy.
Environmental Responsibility
Larsen has been vocal about crypto's environmental impact, positioning XRP's energy efficiency (no mining) as a key advantage. Donated to climate causes and sustainability initiatives.
Strategic Patience
Larsen takes a long-term view. E-Loan took 5+ years to IPO. Ripple has been building for 12+ years. He's willing to wait for institutional adoption to materialize.
Before Ripple
E-Loan
1996-2005
One of America's first online mortgage companies. Disrupted traditional mortgage brokers by letting consumers compare rates online. IPO'd during the dot-com boom, later acquired by Banco Popular for $300M.
Role: Co-founder & CEO
Prosper
2005-2012
America's first peer-to-peer lending platform. Connected borrowers directly with individual lenders, bypassing banks. Pioneered the marketplace lending model that LendingClub and others later adopted.
Role: Co-founder & CEO
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Explore Chris Larsen's Insights
Read curated quotes from interviews, speeches, and public statements.