Ripple ( XRP ) Price Live Chart

What Is XRP and the XRP Ledger (XRPL)?

Launched in 2012, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is a decentralized, open-source, and permissionless blockchain designed for fast, low-cost, and scalable global transactions. Key advantages include: 

• Ultra-low transaction costs (as low as $0.0002)

• Lightning-fast settlement speeds (3-5 seconds)

• High throughput (up to 1,500 transactions per second)

• Environmentally friendly (carbon-neutral and energy-efficient)

The XRPL was one of the first blockchains to introduce a built-in decentralized exchange (DEX) and custom tokenization features. Since its inception, the ledger has reliably closed over 70 million ledgers, proving its long-term stability and performance.

Who Created the XRP Ledger?

The XRP Ledger was co-created in 2012 by David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto to serve as a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to Bitcoin. Later that year, they teamed up with Chris Larsen to establish the company now known as Ripple Labs.

What Makes the XRP Ledger Unique?

The XRPL stands out for its real-world use cases in:

• Global payments
  
  

• Micropayments
  
  

• Decentralized finance (DeFi)
  
  

• Tokenization
  
  

• Upcoming NFT support
  
  

Developers can build on XRPL using popular programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript. The XRP developer portal provides in-depth tutorials for creating apps, managing accounts, and deploying custom tokens.

Its native token, XRP, is used by developers and institutions alike to eliminate inefficiencies in cross-border transactions and asset exchanges. The five primary use cases include:

1. Payments
   
   

2. Tokenization
   
   

3. DeFi applications
   
   

4. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
   
   

5. Stablecoins

How Many XRP Coins Exist?

When XRPL launched, 100 billion XRP were pre-mined. Of these, 80 billion XRP were donated to Ripple Labs to develop a global utility around the digital asset, including the creation of RippleNet, Ripple's global payments infrastructure.

As of now, approximately 45 billion XRP are in circulation, while the rest remain in escrow, released monthly in limited quantities to maintain stability.

How Is the XRP Ledger Secured?

Unlike proof-of-work (Bitcoin) or proof-of-stake (Ethereum 2.0), XRPL employs a Federated Consensus mechanism. Here’s how it works:

• Independent validators (currently over 150 worldwide) verify transactions.
  
  

• Each validator maintains a Unique Node List (UNL) of trusted peers.
  
  

• Validators reach consensus every few seconds — ensuring network integrity and eliminating the need for mining.

All transactions are transparent and public, and anyone can run a validator node. The system is designed to remain operational even if up to 20% of the nodes act maliciously.

Ripple Protocol: A Quick Overview

The Ripple Protocol is designed to make cross-border payments as seamless as sending an email. It addresses the inefficiencies of traditional banking systems by:

• Using a consensus algorithm (RPCA) for validation
  
  

• Removing central points of failure
  
  

• Enabling real-time global transactions with minimal fees
  
  

Think of it as a decentralized "digital checkbook" managed collectively by a network of trusted nodes.

How Ripple’s Technology Works?

Ripple's consensus mechanism is both fast and fault-tolerant. Here's a simplified breakdown:

• Validators (or “servers”) compare transaction records every few seconds.
  
  

• Each validator trusts a list of nodes (its UNL).
  
  

• A transaction is approved once 80% of trusted nodes agree it's valid.
  
  

• Transactions are settled in 3-5 seconds, regardless of global location.

This setup ensures resilience, even in the face of bad actors or network failures, making Ripple one of the most efficient blockchain systems for payments.

Tokenomics: How XRP Powers the Network?

XRP plays a pivotal role in the Ripple ecosystem. Here’s what you need to know:

• Fixed Supply: 100 billion XRP were created at launch—no more will ever be minted.
  
  

• Bridge Currency: XRP can act as an intermediary between two different fiat currencies, enhancing liquidity and transaction speed.
  
  

• Anti-Spam Fees: A tiny amount of XRP is burned per transaction to prevent spam. These fees are not collected but permanently removed, slightly reducing XRP’s total supply over time.
  
  

• Escrow System: Ripple Labs holds most of the uncirculated XRP in escrow, releasing a portion each month to control supply and demand responsibly.

Ripple’s Roadmap: What’s Next?

Ripple's future centers on revolutionizing global payments with seamless interoperability and trust. Key goals include:

1. Expanding On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) across more countries
   
   

2. Building CBDC infrastructure for central banks
   
   

3. Enhancing smart contract functionality and tokenization support
   
   

Their vision includes deeper integration with banks, improving regulatory clarity, and making cross-border payments as easy as sending a text message.

Meet the Team Behind Ripple

Ripple Labs was founded by seasoned technologists and financial experts. The original XRP whitepaper was co-authored by David Schwartz, Arthur Britto, and Noah Youngs.

Today, Brad Garlinghouse serves as CEO, guiding Ripple through significant milestones and regulatory hurdles. The executive team includes veterans from major firms like Amazon, PayPal, and global banks, ensuring Ripple maintains an edge in both innovation and compliance.

Where Can You Buy XRP?

You can buy XRP on numerous centralized exchanges (CeFi) globally. On SunCrypto, XRP is available in both XRP/INR and XRP/USDT trading pairs.

Ripple vs. the SEC: The Legal Battle

In December 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security worth $1.3 billion.

The SEC's claim hinges on the Howey Test, which classifies an asset as a security if:

• It is sold with the expectation of profit

• Profit is derived primarily from the efforts of others

Ripple argues that XRP functions as a digital currency, not a security, and that the SEC's approach is inconsistent and damaging to innovation.

Unlike most companies that chose to settle similar cases, Ripple is fighting back — a bold move that could redefine how crypto assets are regulated in the U.S.

If Ripple wins, it may weaken the SEC’s grip on the crypto industry. However, if the SEC prevails, the outcome could enforce stricter compliance and reshape crypto regulations across the board.