Ripple is a blockchain-based digital payment network and protocol.

Ripple's journey began in 2004 when Ryan Fugger created RipplePay in Vancouver, Canada, aiming to improve international money transfers. However, the company transformed significantly in 2011 when Jed McCaleb, Arthur Britto, and David Schwartz acquired it, rebranding it as OpenCoin. This shift introduced Ripple (XRP), a digital currency designed for faster, more efficient transactions compared to traditional systems.

Ripple Labs, co-founded by Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb, played a crucial role in developing the Ripple Protocol and the XRP cryptocurrency. Ripple's focus is on connecting banks and payment providers, offering real-time, cost-effective global transactions. Their RippleNet payment network, developed in 2012, positioned Ripple as a major player in cross-border payments, often viewed as an alternative to the SWIFT system.

XRP was designed to facilitate fast, low-cost transfers and act as a bridge for currency exchange. RippleNet leverages XRP to provide liquidity and streamline transactions without the need for pre-funded accounts. The Ripple Protocol's efficiency, combined with its unique consensus algorithm, allows transactions to settle within seconds, making it a powerful tool for financial institutions worldwide.

XRPXRP

CME Group is set to launch XRP futures contracts