History of XRP Ledger in Timeline

The XRP Ledger (XRPL), launched in 2012 by Ripple Labs, is a cryptocurrency platform utilizing XRP as its native cryptocurrency. It facilitates the exchange of various tokens and units of value, encompassing cryptocurrencies and other assets like frequent flyer miles. Functionally, the XRPL serves as a decentralized platform for payment processing and asset exchange.

2011: XRP Ledger Development Begins

In 2011, the development of the XRP Ledger began by engineers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto, initiated with a discussion by McCaleb on a public forum.

September 2012: Open Coin Founded

In September 2012, following the launch of the XRPL, Jed McCaleb, Arthur Britto, and Chris Larsen established the company Open Coin to operate on the ledger.

2012: XRP Ledger (XRPL) Launch

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

2012: XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol Established

In 2012, the technology of the "XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol" was formally established. The open-source project was originally called "Ripple".

September 26, 2013: OpenCoin Renamed to Ripple Labs, Inc.

On September 26, 2013, OpenCoin officially changed its name to Ripple Labs, Inc., with Chris Larsen as its head. This marked a formal shift in the company's branding.

May 2018: Ashton Kutcher gifts $4 million in XRP to charity

In May 2018, Ashton Kutcher donated $4 million in XRP to a charity sponsored by Ellen DeGeneres, recognizing XRP as the "third most-valuable cryptocurrency on the market" at that time.

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, though its method of sale could be considered a security.

March 2, 2025: Trump Announces XRP as Potential U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve Asset

On March 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to include XRP as one of five digital assets in a planned U.S. crypto strategic reserve.

March 6, 2025: White House Officially Publishes Crypto Strategic Reserve Order

On March 6, 2025, the White House officially published the order online including XRP as one of five digital assets that he intended to name to a planned U.S. crypto strategic reserve.