Ripple Labs Origins Questioned by 1991 Theory

Ripple Labs, the blockchain company behind XRP, has recently come under scrutiny due to a resurfaced theory suggesting its origins may be more complex than previously thought. The theory, proposed by Edward Farina, founder of Alpha Lions Academy, posits that Ripple's roots could stretch back to 1991, long before the advent of cryptocurrency.

Farina's theory is based on a web of domain registrations, telecom records, and affiliations with individuals linked to US intelligence circles. He argues that Ripple's public narrative may only be part of the story. The timeline begins with Ripple Communications, a trademarked company established in 1991. Despite Ripple's original creator, Ryan Fugger, attributing the name "Ripple" to a Grateful Dead song, Farina claims this was not a coincidence.

In 2005, several key domains were registered under the same IP address: Ripplecom, RipplePay, and OpenCoin. The last of these, OpenCoin, would later become Ripple Labs. That same year also saw the reorganization of the US-based Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), which connects private contractors to US spy agencies. Ripple Communications appears to have quietly disappeared just as Ripple Labs began to gain prominence.

Farina points out that the original telecom trademark was quietly acquired by Ripple Labs after the domain name ripple.com was purchased by Jed McCaleb. This happened shortly after Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg, who had served in senior roles at INSA, ended her stint at Ripple Communications between 2010 and 2012.

Farina's claim is not centered solely on the reuse of a corporate name. He draws attention to individuals allegedly involved with both Ripple Communications and US intelligence bodies. For example, Karen Nussle worked for Ripple Communications and was also listed as a contact at INSA. Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg’s link to both organizations further complicates the narrative. While working at Ripple Communications, she was actively involved with INSA, and her exit coincided with Ripple Labs’ emergence as a blockchain firm.

The overlapping timelines and reuse of Ripple trademarks give weight to the possibility that Ripple Labs may not be a brand new startup that began with decentralized ideals, but a repurposed corporate structure with a different origin. Ryan Fugger, who launched RipplePay in the early 2000s, is central to the story. He initially led the vision of peer-to-peer financial exchange but eventually stepped aside when OpenCoin—later Ripple Labs—took over the project.

Farina’s theory questions why Fugger withdrew from the public eye just as Ripple gained momentum and whether this transition was as straightforward as it appeared. The timeline suggests a handover of not only the project but also intellectual property tied to the Ripple name—dating back to the 1991 telecom firm. Despite no official statements linking Ripple Labs to US intelligence agencies, the lack of clarity surrounding the trademark history, domain ownership, and staff affiliations keeps speculation alive.

Ripple has never publicly commented on the theory, and no official documents tie the company to US intelligence bodies. However, the presence of overlapping IPs, synchronized domain registrations, and telecom-era trademarks raises lingering questions. The theory remains speculative but underscores the demand for transparency in crypto’s origin stories—particularly for companies now managing billions in digital assets.

Farina’s post has reignited debate across social platforms, with users pointing to archived WHOIS data and company records to try and piece together Ripple’s early days. As Ripple continues to grow in prominence, especially amid its legal battles and stablecoin plans, the call for clarity around its beginnings will likely persist.