In a bold and symbolic move, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering support for XRP, declaring he is “1,000% behind” the digital asset. His message, delivered through a cryptic yet powerful tweet, included a photo of an XRP logo tattooed on his arm—sending shockwaves across the crypto community.
This wasn’t just a casual endorsement. For a seasoned executive with a Harvard MBA and over 50 years of age, getting a permanent tattoo is far from trivial. It’s a lifelong declaration of belief in XRP’s long-term potential. When crypto influencer Digital Asset Investor shared the image on X (formerly Twitter), it quickly went viral. Garlinghouse’s simple two-word reply—“1,000%”—spoke volumes about his conviction.
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Ripple Closes Chapter on SEC Legal Battle
The legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been one of the most closely watched sagas in the cryptocurrency world. After years of litigation, Ripple has made the strategic decision to withdraw its cross-appeal regarding institutional sales of XRP.
While the court previously ruled that institutional sales of XRP constituted unregistered securities offerings, Ripple’s choice to step back signals a shift in strategy—not surrender, but progression. The company is now focusing on compliance and moving forward, rather than prolonging courtroom disputes.
Judge Analisa Torres recently denied a joint request from both Ripple and the SEC for an indicative ruling, effectively stalling further legal clarity on that front. Rather than push forward with appeals, Ripple has accepted the outcome and turned its attention toward innovation and expansion.
Brad Garlinghouse emphasized in a public statement that this marks the definitive end of one era and the beginning of another: “We’re closing this chapter once and for all. Now, we can focus where it matters most—building the Internet of Value.”
What Is the Internet of Value?
Ripple has long championed the vision of an “Internet of Value”—a global financial ecosystem where value moves as freely and instantly as information does online. This concept centers on enabling fast, low-cost, cross-border payments using blockchain technology, with XRP serving as a bridge currency to enhance liquidity and reduce settlement times.
With regulatory uncertainty receding, Ripple is now accelerating efforts to realize this vision by expanding partnerships, enhancing infrastructure, and driving adoption across financial institutions worldwide.
XRP Ecosystem Gains Momentum
Ripple’s renewed focus on development is already yielding measurable results. In June alone, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) saw a more than 7x increase in daily active addresses, reflecting growing network engagement. Transaction volumes have also surged, indicating increased real-world usage—not just speculative trading.
This momentum is further amplified by shifting market sentiment. Following Canada’s approval of three XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), speculation is mounting that a U.S.-based XRP ETF could be next. Industry analysts estimate a 95% probability of approval within the near term.
An ETF would open the floodgates for institutional investment, allowing retirement accounts, mutual funds, and traditional investors to gain exposure to XRP without directly managing digital wallets or exchanges. This kind of accessibility could significantly boost market liquidity and long-term price stability.
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XRPL 2.5.0: A Major Leap Forward
Ripple has recently launched version 2.5.0 of the XRP Ledger, marking a pivotal upgrade that enhances performance, scalability, and developer functionality. This release positions XRPL as a serious competitor to dominant layer-1 blockchains like Ethereum and Solana.
Key improvements include:
- Faster transaction throughput at lower costs
- Native smart contract compatibility, empowering developers to build decentralized applications (dApps)
- Enhanced chain interoperability, enabling seamless asset transfers across different blockchain networks
These upgrades are not just technical tweaks—they represent a strategic pivot. Ripple is no longer positioning itself solely as a payments protocol. Instead, it aims to become a full-fledged decentralized application platform, attracting developers, startups, and enterprises looking for efficient, scalable infrastructure.
For builders in the Web3 space, XRPL’s low fees and high speed make it an attractive alternative to congested and expensive networks. With growing support for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and tokenized assets, the ecosystem around XRP is rapidly diversifying.
Core Keywords Driving Visibility
The primary keywords naturally integrated throughout this article include:
XRP, Ripple, Brad Garlinghouse, XRP Ledger, cryptocurrency, blockchain, Internet of Value, and XRPL 2.5.0. These terms align with high-intent search queries while maintaining organic readability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does Brad Garlinghouse’s XRP tattoo mean?
A: The tattoo symbolizes a deep, long-term commitment to XRP and Ripple’s mission. For a high-profile executive, it’s an unprecedented personal endorsement that reflects confidence in the asset’s future.
Q: Did Ripple lose the SEC lawsuit?
A: Not entirely. While the court ruled that institutional sales of XRP were unregistered securities, retail sales were not. Ripple chose to drop its appeal to move forward strategically, not because it lost conclusively.
Q: Is an XRP ETF likely in the U.S.?
A: Yes—after Canada approved three XRP ETFs, momentum has built significantly. Analysts project a 95% chance of U.S. approval in the coming months, which would boost institutional adoption.
Q: What is XRPL 2.5.0?
A: It’s the latest major upgrade to the XRP Ledger, introducing faster transactions, smart contract capabilities, and improved interoperability—making it more competitive with Ethereum and Solana.
Q: Can I build dApps on the XRP Ledger?
A: Absolutely. With native smart contract support in XRPL 2.5.0, developers can now create decentralized applications for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and more on a fast, low-cost network.
Q: How does XRP differ from other cryptocurrencies?
A: XRP is optimized for fast, low-cost cross-border payments. Unlike proof-of-work coins, it uses a consensus protocol that enables near-instant settlements—ideal for banks and payment providers.
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