XRP News Today: Ripple CEO Garlinghouse's Net Worth Nears $10 Billion Amid Crypto Growth

Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple Labs, has emerged as a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, known for his bold decisions and influential voice in the digital finance sector. His leadership has propelled Ripple, a blockchain company, to rapid growth, significant partnerships, and the overcoming of legal challenges. Today, his net worth is close to $10 billion, primarily derived from his shares in Ripple and his holdings of XRP, the company's digital token.

Garlinghouse's journey began in Topeka, Kansas, where he was born in 1971. He pursued a degree in economics and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1997. His career took him to Silicon Valley, where he worked at notable tech companies such as Dialpad, AOL, and Yahoo!. It was at Yahoo! where he authored a bold memo in 2006, highlighting issues within the company's operations and garnering attention for his insights.

In 2015, Garlinghouse joined Ripple and was appointed CEO the following year. Under his guidance, Ripple has expanded its reach globally, securing licenses and forming strong partnerships with major financial institutions. One of Ripple's notable achievements under Garlinghouse's leadership is the launch of the stablecoin RLUSD. In a recent interview, he expressed Ripple's goal to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional finance, especially following the acquisition of the prime broker Hidden Road. This strategic move aims to facilitate easier global money transfers for individuals and businesses.

Despite facing legal hurdles, including a lawsuit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2020, Garlinghouse has remained steadfast in his defense of Ripple. The SEC alleged that Ripple, along with Garlinghouse and co-founder Chris Larsen, had sold XRP without proper authorization, claiming it to be a security. Ripple, however, argued that XRP is a digital token. In May 2025, Ripple agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying a $50 million fine, a move seen by many as a significant victory for the company and a positive sign for the broader crypto industry.

Beyond his role as CEO, Garlinghouse is a vocal advocate for clearer and fairer crypto regulations. On July 9, 2025, he addressed a U.S. Senate hearing, emphasizing that ambiguous regulations are stifling innovation and driving jobs overseas. He urged lawmakers to adopt transparent and equitable crypto laws, drawing parallels with regions like the U.K. and the EU, where such regulations are already in place. Garlinghouse's goal is to foster trust in digital assets while maintaining the U.S.'s position as a hub for innovation.

Garlinghouse's net worth nearing $10 billion is a testament to Ripple's success and the growing acceptance of XRP in the financial sector. His leadership has been pivotal in driving Ripple's growth, expanding its partnerships, and navigating regulatory challenges. As the demand for digital assets continues to rise, Ripple is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, further solidifying its market presence and value. Garlinghouse's vision and strategic approach have been instrumental in Ripple's achievements, making him one of the most influential figures in the crypto industry.