Ripple
The enterprise blockchain company building the infrastructure for a new era of global payments. Not to be confused with XRP (the asset) or XRPL (the ledger).
Important Distinction
Ripple is a private company. XRP is a digital asset. XRPL is the decentralized ledger. They are related but separate.
2012
Founded
$15B+
Valuation (2024)
900+
Employees
55+
Countries
Ripple Labs Inc.
San Francisco, CA
What Ripple Does
Ripple provides enterprise blockchain solutions for financial institutions, enabling faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments.
The Problem They Solve
Traditional cross-border payments are slow (3-5 days), expensive (6-10% fees), and opaque. Banks rely on a correspondent banking system built in the 1970s, requiring pre-funded accounts (nostro/vostro) that trap trillions in idle capital.
Ripple's technology enables real-time settlement with full transparency, reducing costs by up to 60% and freeing trapped capital.
Their Approach
Unlike crypto projects that aim to replace banks, Ripple works with financial institutions. They provide enterprise-grade software that integrates with existing banking infrastructure.
This "work with the system" approach has enabled partnerships with hundreds of banks and payment providers worldwide.
Product Suite
Enterprise solutions for global payments
Ripple Payments
Formerly On-Demand Liquidity (ODL)
Real-time cross-border payments using XRP as a bridge currency. Eliminates the need for pre-funded accounts by providing instant liquidity.
RLUSD
Ripple USD Stablecoin
Enterprise-grade USD stablecoin launched in 2024. 1:1 backed by USD deposits and short-term Treasuries. Available on XRPL and Ethereum.
Ripple Custody
Powered by Metaco
Institutional-grade digital asset custody. Acquired Metaco in 2023 for $250M to offer banks secure storage and management of crypto assets.
RippleNet
Global Payment Network
The network connecting banks, payment providers, and digital asset exchanges. Provides messaging, clearing, and settlement for cross-border transactions.
Company Timeline
Key milestones in Ripple's history
Founded as OpenCoin
Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb found OpenCoin. David Schwartz joins as CTO.
Renamed to Ripple Labs
Company rebrands. Jed McCaleb departs to found Stellar.
Brad Garlinghouse Joins
Former Yahoo! executive joins as COO to scale enterprise operations.
Brad Becomes CEO
Garlinghouse promoted to CEO. Chris Larsen becomes Executive Chairman.
xRapid Launches (Now ODL)
First commercial product using XRP for real-time liquidity goes live.
SEC Lawsuit Filed
SEC sues Ripple, claiming XRP is an unregistered security. Company decides to fight.
Landmark Court Victory
Judge rules XRP is not a security when sold on exchanges. Industry-changing precedent.
Acquires Metaco ($250M)
Purchases Swiss custody provider to expand institutional offerings.
RLUSD Stablecoin Launches
Launches regulated USD stablecoin with NYDFS approval.
Acquires Hidden Road ($1.25B)
Largest acquisition in company history. Prime brokerage for institutional clients.
Leadership
Meet the team driving Ripple forward
Ripple vs XRP vs XRPL
These three are often confused. Here's how they relate:
Ripple
The Company
Private technology company headquartered in San Francisco. Builds payment solutions and is the largest holder of XRP.
XRP
The Digital Asset
Native cryptocurrency of the XRP Ledger. Used for transaction fees and as a bridge currency for cross-border payments.
XRPL
The Ledger
Decentralized, open-source blockchain. Operates independently of Ripple. Governed by validators worldwide.
Key insight: XRPL would continue operating even if Ripple ceased to exist. The ledger is decentralized and maintained by independent validators.
Learn More
Dive deeper into Ripple's products, partnerships, and strategic acquisitions.