Who really runs XRP? Brad Garlinghouse clarifies the myth about Ripple

In a recent fintech conference held in Washington, Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s top executive, directly addressed one of the most common misconceptions in the cryptocurrency ecosystem: the idea that Ripple controls XRP. During his speech, he made it clear that XRP functions as a fully decentralized project, collaboratively developed by hundreds of independent programmers and institutions, without a central authority guiding it.

The Reality Behind XRP: Open Source Without an Owner

Garlinghouse clearly explained the fundamental difference between Ripple as a company and XRP as a protocol. While he is effectively the CEO of Ripple, the XRP network operates under entirely different principles. The technology was built by multiple developers working in parallel, not under the orders of a single corporation. This structure is what allows XRP to be genuinely decentralized, beyond what many investors understand.

The executive emphasizes that this distinction is not a minor technical detail but essential to understanding what XRP truly is. The network functions as public infrastructure, available for anyone, bank, or innovator to use without relying on Ripple’s approval.

Governance in Practice: Validators, Not Corporations

The core of XRP’s decentralization lies in its governance model. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is maintained through a network of independent validators, not controlled by Ripple. Decisions about protocol changes require broad consensus among these validators, creating a system where no single entity can impose its will unilaterally.

Garlinghouse highlighted a particularly revealing point: on several occasions, the validator community has approved proposals that Ripple would not support. This precedent practically demonstrates that decision-making power genuinely resides in the network, not in the company. This structure has made XRP one of the most balanced blockchains, combining operational efficiency with true decentralization.

The Million-Dollar Investment in Regulatory Clarity

To reinforce his argument, Garlinghouse recalled Ripple’s colossal effort in its dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company has invested over $150 million in litigation to establish that XRP is not a traditional financial security but an independent cryptocurrency.

However, according to the CEO, this litigation transcended Ripple’s interests. Garlinghouse described it as a battle for the entire industry, seeking to ensure that every builder in the cryptocurrency space can innovate without fear of outdated regulations or vague interpretations by authorities. This massive investment reflects Ripple’s commitment to the broader ecosystem, not just its own business interests.

XRP in the Web3 Era: Infrastructure, Not Control

With its clearly defined role and technology guided by community consensus, XRP continues to evolve as a digital infrastructure tool. Its utility extends to international payments, banking transactions, and decentralized applications in the Web3 economy.

Garlinghouse closed his speech with a simple but powerful premise: Ripple’s goal was never to monopolize XRP. Instead, the vision is to help the market understand the true potential of a truly open blockchain, where innovation flourishes without corporate intermediaries blocking progress.

Important notice: The information and analysis presented here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. The content of this article should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risks and may result in substantial financial losses.