XRP News Today: "Ripple CTO Bolsters XRP Ledger with Private Server to Fight Centralization Critics"

Ripple CTO David Schwartz has announced the deployment of an independent, high-performance server hub for the XRP Ledger (XRPL), aiming to enhance the network’s infrastructure and operational resilience. The initiative, described by Schwartz as a personal project separate from his role at Ripple, includes enterprise-grade hardware such as an AMD 9950X CPU, 256 GB of RAM, and a 10 Gbps unmetered connection. This server, housed in a New York datacenter, is designed to support XRPL validators and applications while providing greater visibility into network performance through custom monitoring tools. The move is seen as a step toward reinforcing the XRP Ledger’s infrastructure and improving its scalability [4].

The XRP Ledger has faced recent scrutiny over its security and decentralization metrics, particularly after receiving the lowest security score in Kaiko’s Blockchain Ecosystem Ranking. In the report, XRPL scored 41 out of 100, outperforming only networks like Polygon and Stellar but lagging far behind Ethereum’s 83. Kaiko attributed the low score to factors such as a supply chain attack in April 2025, a low Nakamoto coefficient, and the relatively small number of validators. The incident involved a compromised software development kit (SDK) used by developers, which could have exposed users to risk, though the core ledger and GitHub repository remained unaffected. Critics argue that the limited validator count and the design of XRPL’s unique node list contribute to a more centralized structure compared to other major blockchains [1].

XRPL developers, including RippleX Engineering Head Ayo Akinyele, have pushed back against the low ranking, emphasizing the network’s 13-year track record of continuous operation without core network incidents. Akinyele highlighted that the supply chain issue was not a vulnerability in XRPL itself but rather a problem with an NPM package. He also pointed to security endorsements from firms like CertiK and Halborn as evidence of the network’s resilience. Despite these defenses, the debate over decentralization remains central to the perception of XRPL’s security. The protocol’s low validator count—approximately 190 active nodes, with only 35 in the default unique node list—raises concerns about systemic risk and the potential for coordinated disruption [2].

In response to these challenges, the XRP Ledger Foundation has pursued governance reforms aimed at increasing community involvement and decentralization. In August 2024, the foundation announced a transition toward a community-based decision-making model, and by November, it had been incorporated in France with a transparent governance structure and rotating board members. These changes are intended to address institutional concerns and strengthen trust within the community, particularly as the network explores expanded use cases such as crypto payroll systems. XRPL’s ability to automate clearing and settlement processes has already attracted attention from startups in inflation-affected regions like Argentina, where stablecoin salaries are gaining traction [3].

Looking ahead, Ripple continues to expand its role in the stablecoin ecosystem. The company launched its Ripple USD stablecoin in December 2024, backed by cash and cash equivalents, and recently partnered with Circle to bring USDC to the XRP Ledger. Additionally, Ripple acquired Rail, a stablecoin payments platform, to facilitate international transactions without requiring businesses to hold crypto on their balance sheets. These developments underscore Ripple’s broader strategy to integrate XRP into enterprise-level financial infrastructure, even as concerns persist about the potential for stablecoins to reduce XRP’s usage in cross-border transactions. Nonetheless, many analysts believe that the growing activity on the XRP Ledger will benefit XRP through increased transaction demand [6].

Source: [1] XRP Ledger sinks to last place in latest blockchain security ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xrp-ledger-sinks-last-place-093702328.html) [2] XRP Ledger Developers Refute Last-Place Security ... (https://decrypt.co/336095/xrp-ledger-developers-refute-last-place-security-ranking) [3] XRP Ledger Faces Challenges: Security, Decentralization ... (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/future-of-xrp-ledger-security-and-decentralization) [4] Ripple CTO to Launch ‘Independent’ XRPL Hub With Enterprise-Grade Specs (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/b6fd9-ripple-cto-david-schwartz-personal-xrpl-hub) [5] Ripple (XRP) and Stablecoins: 4 Things Investors Need to ... (https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/ripple-xrp-and-stablecoins-4-things-investors-need-know)