XRP News Today: Crypto Leaders Garlinghouse Armstrong Tenev Compared to Steve Jobs

John Deaton, a prominent lawyer in the XRP community, recently sparked a debate by comparing Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong to Steve Jobs, suggesting that either could be considered the "Steve Jobs of crypto." Deaton's comments came in response to a question about who in the crypto world could be compared to the tech visionary. While he did not provide specific criteria for his comparison, it is evident that Deaton views both Garlinghouse and Armstrong as influential leaders who have significantly shaped the crypto industry.

Deaton's relationship with Garlinghouse dates back to the high-profile lawsuit between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which concluded in 2025. During the legal battle, Deaton filed a legal brief in support of XRP holders, and Garlinghouse endorsed Deaton when he ran for U.S. Senate in 2024. Armstrong also backed Deaton, demonstrating the mutual respect among these industry leaders.

Both Garlinghouse and Armstrong have been at the forefront of advocating for clear crypto regulations. Their companies, Ripple and Coinbase, have engaged in significant legal disputes with regulators. Despite these challenges, both CEOs have remained committed to driving innovation and growth in the crypto space. This dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and finance is reminiscent of Steve Jobs' transformative impact on the tech industry.

Deaton later mentioned another name in the conversation about crypto's most visionary leaders: Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood. This suggestion came after a crypto user named Dave expressed doubts about Ripple’s product-market fit, claiming that the company lacks a clear vision to integrate its valuable tools effectively. Despite such criticism, Ripple continues to expand its presence in global payments, with a focus on improving remittances, a market worth over $685 billion. The company's new stablecoin, RLUSD, aims to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable, reflecting the bold thinking associated with leaders like Steve Jobs.

In summary, the debate over who deserves the title of "Steve Jobs of crypto" highlights the significant contributions of Garlinghouse, Armstrong, and potentially Tenev to the crypto industry. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to regulatory clarity have positioned them as key figures in the ongoing evolution of digital currencies and financial services.