XRP Ledger Unveiled: Ripple’s Blockchain Innovation and Key Updates

Ripple Labs and its flagship blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL), continue to make waves in the cryptocurrency and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) industry. The company is pushing forward with strategic expansions and innovative projects, leveraging the XRPL and its native cryptocurrency, $XRP, to reshape global finance. 

While mainstream adoption of the XRPL has not yet been achieved, there is growing expectation within the crypto ecosystem that it could be the next big thing due to its unique features. With its streamlined development, high performance, low cost, and motivated community, the XRPL offers a solid foundation for innovation. 

This write-up explores XRP Ledger’s role in Ripple’s ecosystem and the latest updates from the American technology company, providing a comprehensive look at its trajectory in the growing financial landscape.

What is the XRP Ledger (XRPL)?

The XRP Ledger, launched in 2012 by Ripple Labs, is an open-source, decentralized Layer 1 blockchain designed for speed and efficiency. Unlike Bitcoin’s energy-heavy Proof of Work system, the XRPL uses a unique consensus protocol, enabling transactions to settle in 3-5 seconds with costs as low as a fraction of a penny. This makes it a standout choice for cross-border payments and other financial applications.

$XRP, the blockchain’s native cryptocurrency, plays a dual role. It facilitates transactions by requiring a small fee to deter spam and serves as a bridge currency, allowing seamless exchanges between different currencies or assets. 

Since its inception, the XRPL has processed over 2.8 billion transactions, moving more than $1 trillion in value. With a capacity of up to 1,500 transactions per second, the ledger supports a range of use cases, from micropayments to tokenization, as detailed on XRPL.org.

Founded by engineers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto, with Chris Larsen later joining as a co-founder, Ripple Labs has positioned the XRPL as a cornerstone of its mission to build an “Internet of Value”—a vision of instant, low-cost global financial transactions. 

How XRP Ledger Powers Ripple’s Solutions

Ripple’s product suite heavily relies on the XRPL and XRP to serve banks, payment providers, and crypto businesses. Its flagship offering, Ripple Payments, uses XRP for real-time cross-border settlements, bypassing traditional correspondent banking systems. This service covers 90% of the global foreign exchange market across more than 40 regions and operates 24/7.

Beyond payments, Ripple offers digital asset custody through Ripple Custody, supporting XRPL and other blockchains for secure storage and management. This year, the company also launched Ripple USD (RLUSD), a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin that enhances enterprise payments and DeFi applications.

Key Updates from Ripple

Ripple has been making significant moves with updates in early April 2025, reflecting the company’s ambitious growth strategy. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:

Ripple Acquires Hidden Road for $1.25 Billion

On April 8, 2025, Ripple announced its acquisition of Hidden Road, a global prime brokerage firm, for $1.25 billion. This deal, one of the largest in crypto history, positions Ripple as the first crypto company to own a multi-asset prime broker, bolstering its custody and institutional services. 

“Together, Ripple and Hidden Road are bringing the promise of digital assets to institutional customers at scale, bridging traditional finance and decentralized finance in ways never seen before,” Ripple stated in an X post.

Blockchain-Powered Aid in Kenya

Ripple partnered with Mercy Corps Ventures and DIVA Donate to use RLUSD for drought insurance in Kenya. Announced on April 4, the initiative leverages satellite data and smart contracts on the XRPL to automate aid distribution. 

RLUSD Goes Live in Ripple Payments

Ripple launched RLUSD within Ripple Payments on April 2, powering enterprise transactions, tokenization, and DeFi. With a market cap “nearing $250 million” and over $10 billion in trading volume, RLUSD is gaining traction fast.

Why Ripple and XRP Ledger Matter

Ripple’s updates underscore the XRPL’s versatility and real-world impact. From enabling instant payments to pioneering blockchain-based aid, the ledger is proving its worth. The acquisition of Hidden Road and the launch of RLUSD also signal Ripple’s intent to bridge crypto and traditional finance, while its tokenization efforts position it for long-term growth.

For businesses, the XRPL offers a reliable, scalable platform. For communities, projects like the Kenya pilot show the blockchain’s potential to address global challenges. Overall, Ripple is solidifying its role in global finance. The XRPL’s speed, affordability, and adaptability are the cornerstone of these efforts, driving its vision of creating an internet with value.