History of XRP Ledger in Timeline

The XRP Ledger (XRPL), launched in 2012 by Ripple Labs, is a cryptocurrency platform that uses XRP as its native cryptocurrency. Beyond XRP, the XRPL supports various tokens and digital units of value, including cryptocurrency and non-currency assets like loyalty points or mobile minutes. The XRPL facilitates the transfer and exchange of these diverse assets through its decentralized network.

2011: XRP Ledger Development Begins

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

September 2012: Founding of Open Coin

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

2012: XRP Ledger Launch

In 2012, the XRP Ledger (XRPL), also known as the Ripple Protocol, was launched by Ripple Labs. The XRPL utilizes XRP as its native cryptocurrency and supports tokens, cryptocurrencies, and other 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, Inc.

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

May 2018: Ashton Kutcher's XRP Charity Donation

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

July 13, 2023: Court Ruling on XRP as a Security

On July 13, 2023, Judge Analisa Torres of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that XRP itself is not a security, but the manner of its sale could be. The court stated that "XRP, as a digital token, is not in and of itself a 'contract, transaction, or scheme' that embodies the Howey requirements of an investment contract".

March 2, 2025: Trump Announces XRP for Crypto Strategic Reserve

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.