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Bitcoin first popularised the ‘peer-to-peer electronic cash’ idea. However, there is a cryptocurrency system that came after it and intends to replace SWIFT. The protocol is already functioning as a currency exchange system for banks and other financial institutions. Yes, we are talking about Ripple.
Conceived by San Francisco based Ripple Labs in 2012 (renamed Ripple in 2015), Ripple has become incredibly popular in the cryptocurrency space. Rebranded to RippleNet in 2019, the payment system facilitates fast, and frictionless cross border monetary settlements with minimal fees. This makes it an ideal choice for remittance transactions.
XRP, RippleNet‘s native crypto token powers all financial transfers on the network. The cryptocurrency has a strong and vibrant community supporting it on Twitter. Before going any further, let’s first look at what got it started in the first place.
History of Ripple
Ryan Fugger first conceptualized the idea in 2004. He then went on to develop the first prototype of a decentralized digital monetary system called RipplePay. RipplePay saw the daylight of reality in 2005. Its purpose was to provide secure payment solutions within a global network.
In 2012, Fugger handed over the project to Jed McCaleb and Chris Larsen and together they founded the US-based technology company OpenCoin.
Folks at OpenCoin started building Ripple as a protocol focused on payment solutions for banks and other financial institutions. In 2013, Ripple Labs became the new name of the company. Finally, the company reduced it to just Ripple in 2015.
How Does RippleNet Work?
Ripple’s payment protocols have evolved and come a long way. In Q4 2019, the San Francisco based firm united all its products under one umbrella network – the RippleNet.
RippleNet is an ecosystem of banks, payment providers, and other such financial institutions. According to Ripple, RippleNet is
the most advanced blockchain technology for global payments—making it easy for financial institutions to reach a trusted, growing network of 300+ providers across 40+ countries and six continents.
RippleNet utilizes a single and decentralized infrastructure across the entire network, eliminating the need for custom integration work. The network provides an additional On-Demand Liquidity service that allows transfers of value and exchanges across the world.
This year has seen more than 200 banks sign up for RippleNet with On-Demand Liquidity hosting around 15 companies with more members taken on board.
On-Demand Liquidity leverages Ripple’s cryptocurrency XRP to ensure the successful fulfillment of monetary transactions.
How Does XRP Work?
XRP is the native token of the XRP Ledger and serves as a vehicle for transfers on the RippleNet. XRP Ledger is an open-source, permissionless, and decentralized blockchain. According to Ripple, it can settle transactions in 3 -5 seconds.
Users transacting on the Ripple network also use XRP to pay for network maintenance fees. XRP has a total supply of 100 billion units. These are indivisible, unlike Bitcoin.
Out of these 100 billion units, millions were distributed in various stages of airdrops, preliminary sales, or private placements.
XRP also was distributed to multiple owners, including banks, for testing. The current circulating supply of XRP is a little more than 44 billion. Ripple has a smart contract operated escrow system in place, that releases 1 billion coins every month in the market.
The escrow takes back all unused XRPs after the month to avoid oversupply or misuse.
Private Funding and IPO Plans
Ripple boss Brad Garlinghouse announced plans to take the company public ‘in 12 months’ at Davos this year. This comes after the firm raised $200 million with a $10 billion company valuation in Q4 2019.
The company has primarily been privately funded since 2013. With prominent VC players such as Andreessen Horowitz, IDG Capital Partners, Google Ventures, SBI Holdings participating in funding rounds to date, Ripple has raised close to $292 million (along with capital raised from cumulative funding).
How and Where to Buy Ripple (XRP)?
Now that you know the basic premise around Ripple and it’s underlying mechanism, you might want to buy some XRP.
Cryptocurrency exchanges can serve as the most appropriate place to buy XRP. At WazirX, we offer the safest and fastest platform for you to get your hands on the Ripple token right away.
First, you need to set up your account. For that, you will need to provide a valid ID proof for a mandatory KYC process and your bank account details. It takes a few hours to verify the information shared from your end, after which you are all set.
You can go ahead and directly buy XRP using the funds from your bank account. Or you can leverage WazirX’s ultra-fast P2P feature to swiftly and securely buy XRP. For more information on that check out this link: https://wazirx.com/p2p
Further Reading:
What are the Differences Between Bitcoin and Ripple?
What are the Differences Between Ripple (XRP) and Ethereum (ETH)?
5 Ripple (XRP) Myths you Should Stop Believing
8 Benefits Of Investing In Ripple (XRP)
Difference between Litecoin (LTC) and Ripple (XRP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Invest In XRP 2023?
XRP is a virtual currency that was created by Ripple Labs. It is used to facilitate cross-border payments and is often referred to as a "bridge currency." XRP is one of the top Cryptos by market capitalization and is traded on many Crypto exchanges. You can consider investing in XRP in 2023, but it is also advisable to conduct your own research before making any investment decision.
Should I Buy Ripple Coin?
Based on your personal circumstances and investment plan, you should conduct your own research to determine whether the Ripple (XRP) crypto is a suitable asset for your portfolio. Always keep in mind that previous performance is no guarantee of future profits, and never buy XRP or any other Crypto with money you cannot afford to lose.
How To Buy Ripple Coin In India?
Here are the common steps by which you can buy Ripple (XRP) tokens in India at your trusted Crypto exchange, like WazirX.
- Select a trusted Crypto exchange, like WazirX, that supports the Ripple token.
- Create an account: You can create your account by providing personal information and complying with the KYC verification.
- Add funds to your account: Exchanges support various ways by which you can add funds to your account. You can do a bank transfer or a debit/ credit card.
- Buy Ripple (XRP): You can now easily trade Ripple (XRP).
Is Ripple Coin A Good Investment?
Ripple coin can be a good investment option due to its potential to revolutionize cross-border payments and its partnerships with major financial institutions.
Where To Buy Ripple Coin In India?
XRP, the native token of Ripple can be purchased through any licensed Crypto exchange by creating an account. It can be bought with Fiat or traded in exchange of other tokens on exchanges such as WazirX
Is It A Good Time To Buy XRP?
The future of Ripple XRP is uncertain due to ongoing legal issues and regulatory challenges. However, its value and potential will depend on how successfully these issues are resolved.
Can XRP Reach $100 Dollars?
To reach $100, XRP must climb 270 times. At $100, the market capitalization of XRP would be $5.1 trillion. If XRP rose at a 25% annual pace, it would take at least 26 years to hit $100.
How Ripple Coin Works?
Ripple is a blockchain that records transactions on its electronic ledger XRP. It is embedded with key pairs and only private key holders can validate transactions. For any transaction to be validated, Ripple uses the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm where majority of operators need to approve the move.
How To Mine Ripple Coins?
Ripple (XRP) cannot be mined in the traditional sense like other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. One of the most efficient techniques for mining XRP is to mine Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) and then exchange the mined coins for Ripple (XRP) via Crypto exchanges.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
