XRP News Today: Ripple Co-Founders Reportedly Clash Over Custody Expansion and Governance Strategy

Rumors of a potential power struggle between Ripple’s co-founders, Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen, have intensified in late July 2025, with reports citing internal divisions over strategic priorities such as tokenized asset custody and corporate governance [1]. Unnamed sources suggest a leadership divide may be forming, particularly regarding Ripple’s pivot toward institutional custodial services and its trademarked “Ripple Custody” initiative [1]. Larsen, who previously shaped Ripple’s early digital asset strategies, is reported to have resisted shifts in corporate focus, with analysts noting his preference for a more conservative approach compared to Garlinghouse’s expansionist vision [1].

The speculation, fueled by social media posts from crypto analyst Stern Drew and unverified claims, highlights growing concerns over Ripple’s leadership dynamics amid its ongoing legal battles with U.S. regulators [1]. Garlinghouse, who has led the company since 2017, has not publicly addressed the rumors, nor has Larsen commented on his alleged disagreements with the current strategy. This silence has left the XRP community relying on third-party narratives and unconfirmed reports, complicating assessments of the situation’s validity [1].

Industry observers suggest that external factors, including institutional investor influence and the prolonged SEC lawsuit, may exacerbate internal tensions [1]. Ripple’s recent trademark application for custodial services has drawn scrutiny, with some attributing it to strategic disagreements between leadership. However, the company has neither confirmed nor denied reports of friction, maintaining a neutral stance on the matter [1].

The lack of official responses has led to speculation about how such internal conflicts could impact Ripple’s operations. While the firm continues to expand institutional partnerships, the reported divide over decentralization versus growth strategies raises questions about its long-term direction [1]. Analysts caution that unverified rumors often gain traction during periods of regulatory uncertainty, but emphasize the difficulty in gauging their real-world implications without direct statements from involved parties [1].

Ripple’s XRP token saw a modest price increase in early July 2025, though market analysts attribute the movement to broader crypto trends rather than the leadership rumors [1]. The company’s legal challenges and evolving regulatory landscape remain central to stakeholder concerns, with corporate governance issues potentially adding another layer of complexity [1].

As of the latest updates, Ripple executives have maintained their positions without addressing the speculation publicly. The situation underscores the challenges faced by high-growth tech firms in balancing strategic innovation with internal cohesion, particularly under regulatory scrutiny. Until further details emerge, the alleged power struggle remains a topic of debate within the crypto community, with no concrete evidence to confirm its existence or impact [1].

Source: [1] ["Ripple(XRP) Stock Price Today | Quotes & News"](https://www.moomoo.com/crypto/XRP-CC)