Ripple CTO David Schwartz has explained how XRP Ledger stands apart from Bitcoin and Ethereum by doing what matters to financial systems. Blockchain technology has taken many forms since the emergence of Bitcoin in 2009. Some networks are designed to be simple and unchanging. Others embrace open-ended complexity, mostly existing without proper direction or utility. However, not every blockchain project follows those extremes. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is an example of a network with a clear purpose, as it was designed to serve real-world financial needs with speed, cost-efficiency, and reliability. In a video shared by XRPL validator and crypto figure Vet (@Vet_X0), Schwartz outlined the differences between these networks, emphasizing how design choices made over a decade ago continue to define XRP’s unique position today. I really liked this slide by David on how the XRP Ledger is differentiated. pic.twitter.com/6kkrkxkjVC — Vet (@Vet_X0) June 11, 2025 A Different Philosophy from the Start Schwartz began by contrasting XRP’s goals with those of its predecessors. Bitcoin, he said, was created as a way to store and transfer value. “That’s useful,” he added, “but that’s about all it does.” Its strength lies in its simplicity and security, but that also limits its flexibility when compared to XRP . Ethereum took the opposite approach by enabling smart contracts and decentralized application development. It allowed anyone to build and deploy apps directly on the blockchain, creating a highly programmable but complex system. This turned Ethereum into a general-purpose platform, but one that comes with unpredictable transaction fees and performance bottlenecks. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 XRP was designed to operate between those two extremes, being less rigid than Bitcoin, but more focused than Ethereum. It wasn’t trying to build an open app ecosystem. It was built specifically to optimize payments and related financial functions. As a result, many market participants believe Bitcoin and Ethereum can’t compete with XRP in the payment space. Choosing Purpose Over Scope From its launch, XRP prioritized fast transaction finality, low and predictable fees, and enterprise-level integration capabilities. Schwartz emphasized that these were not afterthoughts or side benefits, but were central to the network’s architecture. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse previously stated that XRP was designed by engineers who recognized Bitcoin’s flaws , and this focus allows the digital asset to meet the needs of financial institutions, payment processors, and developers building financial tools. Its performance characteristics have made it attractive to institutions for cross-border payments, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and many other services, especially in environments where reliability and cost control are non-negotiable. Rather than chasing general-purpose blockchain use cases, XRP maintains a tight focus on financial applications. The digital asset was not designed to do everything, but that’s precisely why it does its job well. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CTO On Why XRP Is Different and Better appeared first on Times Tabloid .
