Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has made a bold statement of commitment to XRP, the cryptocurrency closely tied to his company. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Garlinghouse shared a photo of a new tattoo featuring the XRP logo, calling it a sign of his “1,000%” belief in XRP’s future. His declaration comes as Ripple shifts its focus away from years of legal battles and toward building real-world utility for its blockchain network.

Legal Battle With the SEC Comes to a Close

Ripple’s ongoing legal conflict with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dominated headlines for years. However, recent developments suggest the lawsuit is finally drawing to a close. Ripple had originally contested a court decision that classified some XRP institutional sales as securities. But the company has now officially withdrawn its cross-appeal on that issue.

This move marks a major turning point. Ripple appears ready to leave the courtroom behind and concentrate on growth. In a public statement, Garlinghouse confirmed that this chapter is over. “We’re closing that door and turning our full attention to building the Internet of Value,” he said.

Judge Analisa Torres previously denied a request from both Ripple and the SEC for an indicative ruling, leaving the case stalled. Rather than continuing to push for legal clarity through more appeals, Ripple will respect the court’s decision and move forward with compliant ways to offer XRP to institutional investors.

From Courtroom to Development Hub

With the legal distractions fading, Ripple is doubling down on expanding the XRP ecosystem. The company has long referred to its mission as building the “Internet of Value”—a vision for global payments that are as fast and easy as sending an email.

That vision is starting to show signs of momentum. In June 2025, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) saw a sharp spike in daily active addresses, increasing more than sevenfold. This suggests a significant rise in real user activity on the network. Additionally, XRP transaction volumes are on the rise, hinting at increased real-world usage of the cryptocurrency.

Ripple also rolled out version 2.5.0 of the XRP Ledger. This new version improves performance and makes XRPL more competitive with other major blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. It brings faster processing speeds, lower transaction costs, and better compatibility with smart contracts. These upgrades open the door for more developers to build decentralized apps (dApps) on the XRP network.

Improved interoperability features also mean the XRPL will be better suited to interact with other blockchain systems. That’s a key step in Ripple’s long-term goal of creating seamless asset transfers across financial platforms.

Market Sentiment Turns Optimistic

As Ripple turns the page on its legal troubles, investor sentiment is shifting. One major driver of this change is the growing speculation around an XRP-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S. While nothing is official yet, optimism has grown since Canada approved three XRP ETFs earlier this month.

Analysts now suggest there’s a high likelihood that a U.S.-based XRP ETF could be approved soon. If this happens, XRP would become available to institutional buyers and retirement funds, which could increase liquidity and raise confidence in the market.

Ripple’s renewed focus on development—combined with Garlinghouse’s very public show of support—is reinforcing the idea that the company is moving into a new phase. The once uncertain future of XRP now looks more promising, driven by fundamentals rather than hype.

A CEO’s Message to the Market

Brad Garlinghouse’s tattoo might seem like a small gesture, but it carries a larger message. It shows that the Ripple CEO isn’t just offering words—he’s personally invested in XRP’s future. And coming from a Harvard-educated executive over the age of 50, it’s not just a trend. It’s a statement of long-term conviction.

Crypto influencer Digital Asset Investor helped push the image viral, and Garlinghouse replied with just two words: “1,000%.”

Whether you’re a longtime XRP supporter or just watching from the sidelines, it’s clear that Ripple is entering a new phase. The company is leaving behind regulatory uncertainty and shifting focus to building real solutions on top of the XRP Ledger. With upgraded technology, growing adoption, and stronger market signals, XRP may be preparing for a significant role in the next wave of blockchain innovation.