Ripple CTO David Schwartz Clarifies XRP Ledger’s Core Utility and Its Impact on XRP Price

In a recent social media post, Ripple's Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz emphasized the fundamental purpose of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), highlighting its design as a high-efficiency platform for decentralized exchange and payments rather than a driver of XRP's price. Schwartz clarified that the ledger was built to prioritize speed, cost efficiency, and reliability, not to artificially inflate the token's value. While acknowledging that increased adoption of XRPL could indirectly influence XRP's market dynamics, he reiterated that the ledger's primary focus remains on utility and performance. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about the relationship between blockchain utility and token valuation, particularly in the context of XRP's role in cross-border payments and decentralized finance (DeFi). As of November 2025, the XRP community continues to debate the long-term implications of XRPL's utility-centric approach on the token's price trajectory.

Ripple CTO Clarifies XRP Ledger's Utility and Price Impact

Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz has outlined the Core purpose of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), emphasizing its design as a high-efficiency platform for decentralized exchange and payments rather than a price catalyst for XRP. "The ledger was built to deliver speed, cost efficiency, and reliability—not to artificially inflate token value," Schwartz stated in a recent social media post.

While acknowledging that increased XRPL adoption enhances XRP's inherent value due to its privileged role as the network's native asset, Schwartz dismissed any direct correlation between ledger activity and short-term price rallies. XRP's unique position as the only counterparty-free, jurisdiction-agnostic asset on XRPL—coupled with its autobridging advantages—creates organic demand drivers distinct from speculative trading patterns.

The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about XRP's role following Ripple's introduction of the RLUSD stablecoin. Schwartz reaffirmed XRP's irreplaceability as the ledger's bridge currency, noting its global acceptance surpasses that of any single stablecoin. Market observers suggest this technical distinction may prove crucial as regulatory scrutiny reshapes the stablecoin landscape.

XRP Ledger Sees Record Wallet Growth Amid Price Rebound

XRP surged 12% within 24 hours after dipping to $2.20, rewarding dip buyers as the token climbed to $2.38. The rally coincided with the XRP Ledger adding 21,595 new wallets in 48 hours—the highest growth rate in eight months, according to blockchain analytics firm Santiment.

Social media debates intensify around XRP's role in advancing blockchain adoption, with industry veterans differentiating between the XRP token and XRPL's utility. The community is pushing to clarify misconceptions among new investors, emphasizing XRP's liquidity advantages.

Ripple Co-Founder Chris Larsen Joins Global Top-200 Billionaires Club After $500M Investment Round

Ripple's valuation soared to $40 billion following a $500 million investment from Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities this Wednesday. The deal propelled co-founder Chris Larsen into billionaire territory with a net worth of $15.3 billion, marking his debut among the world's wealthiest individuals.

The August resolution of the SEC's five-year lawsuit against Ripple removed a major regulatory overhang. Combined with XRP's 9% year-to-date price appreciation, the cleared legal path and fresh capital injection created perfect conditions for valuation expansion.

Larsen's fortune stems primarily from his 18% Ripple stake and holdings of 2.7 billion XRP tokens worth approximately $6.3 billion. The San Francisco native has built companies since the 1990s, first gaining prominence as co-founder of early online lender E-Loan in 1996.

Ripple Advocates for 'Skinny' Fed Account to Ease Banking Sector Concerns

Ripple's Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty has endorsed the concept of a limited Federal Reserve payments account for non-banking entities, calling it an "attractive" solution to traditional banks' stability and competition worries. The blockchain payments firm previously applied for a Fed master account in July, seeking direct access to central bank infrastructure without intermediaries.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recently signaled openness to a restricted master account that WOULD provide payment system access while withholding interest payments, overdraft privileges, and emergency lending facilities. This compromise aims to balance financial innovation with systemic risk management as crypto-native firms seek deeper integration with traditional finance.

XRP Network Sees Surge in New Wallets, Signaling Renewed Investor Interest

XRP has experienced its highest wave of new wallet creation in eight months, with 21,595 addresses appearing on the network within 48 hours. Santiment's on-chain data reveals a sharp spike in Network Growth—a metric tracking first-time transactional activity—suggesting either new capital inflow or dormant holders re-engaging with the asset.

The surge coincides with broader market Optimism for altcoins, though XRP's adoption metrics now outpace most mid-cap tokens. Network Growth historically correlates with price rallies, as fresh demand meets limited supply. Analysts note this pattern previously preceded XRP's 60% surge in Q4 2023.

Ripple CEO Dismisses IPO Urgency Amid Aggressive Buyback Strategy

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse reiterated the company's lack of urgency for an initial public offering during a discussion at Pantera’s Blockchain Summit 2025. Despite aggressive share buybacks and fresh capital injections, Garlinghouse emphasized that Ripple has no immediate plans to go public. The company has repurchased over 25% of its shares, spending $4 billion to buy back equity from shareholders, including a recent $1 billion tender offer that values Ripple at $40 billion.

Garlinghouse framed the buyback strategy as a deliberate alternative to public listing, drawing parallels to SpaceX’s approach. "We haven’t needed to go public, and so we haven’t prioritized that," he said. The $40 billion valuation aligns with recent disclosures, including a $500 million investment secured earlier this week. Ripple’s focus remains on private-market liquidity solutions, sidelining traditional IPO routes for now.