XRP News Today: XRP Decentralization Debate Settles With Legal Victory And Global Participation

As the United States progresses with clearer cryptocurrency regulations, the debate surrounding the centralization of XRP is finally finding resolution. Critics have long argued that Ripple’s control over a significant portion of the XRP supply makes it centralized. However, recent legal outcomes and technical facts suggest otherwise.

The confusion largely stems from Ripple holding around 40% of the total XRP supply, leading many to believe that Ripple controls the network. This is a misunderstanding of how XRP operates. On June 26, prominent crypto attorney John E. Deaton addressed this on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “75K XRP holders from 143 countries around the globe is pretty darn decentralized to me. People often conflate the token of the network with the network itself.” He clarified that owning a large number of tokens does not equate to controlling the protocol.

The debate around XRP’s centralization intensified due to the SEC lawsuit that began in 2020, accusing Ripple of selling XRP as an unregistered security. After nearly five years of legal proceedings, the case officially concluded on May 8, 2025, with Ripple winning a favorable outcome and paying only a reduced penalty. Importantly, the court confirmed that XRP is not a security when traded in secondary markets, reinforcing its status as a decentralized digital asset. This decision provided legal clarity and boosted investor confidence.

Beyond legal clarity and community ownership, several technical aspects of the XRP Ledger support its decentralized nature. The XRP Ledger runs on a consensus model with over 150 independent validators. Ripple controls only one validator, meaning it cannot force changes or manipulate the network. XRP doesn’t use proof-of-work like Bitcoin or Ethereum, avoiding control by mining pools and ensuring equal participation from validators. Any update to the XRP Ledger must gain 80% validator approval for two consecutive weeks, making unilateral control by Ripple impossible.

Even Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, recently argued that decentralization shouldn’t be the only benchmark. He emphasized that what matters is the utility, transparency, and security of the network—not just ideology. While Ripple does hold a significant amount of XRP, it has no control over the XRP Ledger’s rules or validation process. That power lies with a diverse and global community.

The long-standing debate over XRP’s centralization is finally settling, thanks to facts, legal clarity, and growing global participation. With 75,000 XRP holders across 143 countries, over 150 validators, and a network that demands consensus for change, XRP is proving itself to be a decentralized asset at its core. Ripple may be the face of XRP, but it is not the hand behind the curtain.

John Deaton, a prominent legal expert, has asserted that Ripple does not control XRP, emphasizing the decentralized nature of the cryptocurrency. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the regulatory status of XRP and its relationship with Ripple. Deaton's comments highlight the importance of understanding the decentralized structure of XRP, which is crucial for its potential adoption and integration into various financial systems.

The decentralized nature of XRP means that it is not controlled by any single entity, including Ripple. This decentralization is a key factor in the cryptocurrency's appeal, as it ensures that no single party can manipulate the network or the value of XRP. Deaton's assertion aligns with the broader narrative that XRP is a decentralized digital asset, which could have significant implications for its regulatory treatment and market perception.

The decentralized structure of XRP is also a critical factor in its potential for widespread adoption. As more institutions and individuals recognize the benefits of decentralized digital assets, the demand for XRP could increase. This could lead to greater integration of XRP into various financial systems, including cross-border payments, remittances, and other financial services.

Deaton's comments also come at a time when the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is evolving. As governments and regulatory bodies around the world grapple with how to classify and regulate digital assets, the decentralized nature of XRP could play a crucial role in shaping its regulatory treatment. If XRP is recognized as a decentralized digital asset, it could be subject to different regulatory requirements than centralized cryptocurrencies.

The decentralized nature of XRP also has implications for its potential use cases. As a decentralized digital asset, XRP can be used for a wide range of applications, including cross-border payments, remittances, and other financial services. Its decentralized structure ensures that it can be used in a variety of contexts, without the need for intermediaries or centralized control.

In conclusion, John Deaton's assertion that Ripple does not control XRP highlights the decentralized nature of the cryptocurrency. This decentralization is a key factor in its potential for widespread adoption and integration into various financial systems. As the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies continues to evolve, the decentralized nature of XRP could play a crucial role in shaping its regulatory treatment and market perception.