Financial expert Levi Rietveld recently addressed a long-standing misconception surrounding Ripple and XRP, offering a clear explanation of their relationship and how the XRP ecosystem functions.
In his remarks, he emphasized that XRP is not owned or controlled by Ripple. Instead, he described it as an open-source technology that operates independently, supported by a network of developers and organizations contributing to its evolution.
Rietveld highlighted that XRP is integrated into Ripple’s product stack as part of its broader technological solutions, but its scope extends far beyond Ripple’s operations. According to him, there are numerous other companies building within the XRP ecosystem, each led by independent teams and executives.
His statements aimed to correct a recurring misunderstanding in public discourse that conflates Ripple’s corporate structure with the decentralized technology that underpins XRP.
Ripple Doesn’t Control #XRPpic.twitter.com/BR73pZKKlG
— Levi | Crypto Crusaders (@LeviRietveld) November 2, 2025
The Open-Source Nature of XRP Ledger
Rietveld went on to detail how the governance of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) operates under an open-source framework. He explained that changes or amendments to the ledger require community consensus, specifically an 80% approval threshold, ensuring that no single entity—including Ripple—can unilaterally dictate network decisions.
This governance model underscores XRP’s decentralization, as it allows the community to shape the protocol based on collective agreement rather than centralized control.
To further illustrate this point, Rietveld mentioned instances where Ripple opposed certain amendments that were ultimately approved by the wider community. Conversely, some proposals championed by Ripple have also gained support and passed through the established consensus process.
This balance of power reflects the XRPL’s autonomy and reinforces the argument that Ripple functions as one participant among many within a broader ecosystem.
Educating the Market on Decentralization
Rietveld stressed the importance of education in dispelling false narratives about XRP’s governance. He noted that many misconceptions stem from a lack of understanding about how open-source technologies work. By clarifying that Ripple has a CEO, while XRP itself does not, Rietveld sought to make a clear distinction between the company and the decentralized technology it utilizes.
His explanation provides valuable context to ongoing discussions about decentralization and corporate involvement in blockchain networks. It reinforces the idea that XRP’s development and governance are not confined to any single organization, but rather shaped by a distributed community of contributors.
Rietveld’s remarks serve as a reminder of the foundational principles behind the XRP Ledger—community-driven innovation, transparency, and decentralized governance. His clarification helps ensure that market participants, developers, and observers understand the true nature of XRP’s ecosystem, separate from Ripple’s corporate identity.