History of XRP Ledger in Timeline

The XRP Ledger (XRPL), initiated by Ripple Labs in 2012, is a cryptocurrency platform also referred to as the Ripple Protocol. It utilizes XRP as its native cryptocurrency and is designed to support various tokens and digital units of value, including cryptocurrencies, loyalty points, and mobile minutes. Its core functionality includes facilitating cross-border payments and enabling tokenization, positioning it as a versatile platform within the cryptocurrency and blockchain landscape.

2011: XRP Ledger Development Begins

In 2011, the development of the XRP Ledger was initiated by engineers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto. McCaleb started a discussion on BitcoinTalk.org titled "Bitcoin without mining".

September 2012: Open Coin Founded

In September 2012, shortly after the XRPL was launched, McCaleb, Britto, and Chris Larsen founded the company Open Coin to operate on the ledger.

2012: XRP Ledger Launched

In 2012, Ripple Labs launched the XRP Ledger (XRPL), also known as the Ripple Protocol, as a cryptocurrency platform. The XRPL uses XRP as its native cryptocurrency and supports various tokens and units of value.

2012: Formal Establishment of XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol

In 2012, the technology of the "XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol" was formally established.

September 26, 2013: OpenCoin Renamed to Ripple Labs

On September 26, 2013, OpenCoin officially changed its name to Ripple Labs, Inc, with Chris Larsen as its head.

May 2018: Ashton Kutcher Gifts $4 Million in XRP

In May 2018, Ashton Kutcher donated $4 million in XRP to a charity sponsored by Ellen DeGeneres. At the time, XRP was noted to be the "third most-valuable cryptocurrency on the market".

July 13, 2023: Court Ruling on XRP Token

On July 13, 2023, Judge Analisa Torres of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that the XRP token itself is not a security, but the way it is sold could be considered the sale of a security.

March 2, 2025: Trump Announces XRP for Crypto Reserve

On March 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that XRP was one of five digital assets that he intended to name to a planned U.S. crypto strategic reserve.