Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen recently shared in-depth insights about XRP, describing it as a “better version of Bitcoin” during an episode of the “When Shift Happens” podcast. Larsen explained that XRP was intentionally designed to address some of Bitcoin’s shortcomings, particularly in terms of speed, efficiency, and environmental impact. While he acknowledged Bitcoin’s pioneering role and conservative foundations, he emphasized that XRP offers significant improvements without abandoning the fundamental principles that made Bitcoin popular. XRP’s development was driven by a group of highly skilled professionals who focused on creating a digital currency that could process transactions faster and with a much lower carbon footprint, making it more suitable for modern financial needs.

Larsen pointed out that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism, although revolutionary, consumes enormous amounts of energy. In contrast, XRP employs a consensus protocol that is not only faster but also greener, which aligns with growing concerns about sustainability in the crypto space. He argued that this efficiency makes XRP a practical choice for large-scale payments and international transfers, where speed and cost-effectiveness are crucial. XRP’s ability to settle transactions in seconds, as opposed to Bitcoin’s longer confirmation times, gives it an edge in usability for real-world applications.

In addition to highlighting XRP’s technical strengths, Larsen did not hesitate to critique rival blockchain projects, especially those with inconsistent strategies. Without explicitly naming Stellar, a project co-founded by former Ripple executive Jed McCaleb, he criticized moves like massive token burns and frequent airdrops. Larsen described these actions as chaotic and damaging to a project’s credibility, suggesting that such unpredictability can erode investor confidence. According to him, successful cryptocurrencies must be built on a foundation of stability and predictability. Frequent changes in tokenomics or governance tend to create confusion and instability, which ultimately harms a project’s long-term prospects.

Larsen also praised the XRP community for its loyalty and resilience, drawing parallels to the steadfast supporters of Bitcoin. He emphasized that the XRP community has stood firm through various market cycles and regulatory challenges, helping to maintain momentum and trust in the asset. In contrast, Larsen appeared more cautious when discussing Ethereum’s community, subtly questioning whether it could sustain the same level of commitment over time. His remarks suggested that while Ethereum remains a dominant player, XRP’s focused mission and dedicated user base give it a unique position in the crypto ecosystem. This comparison underscored Ripple’s confidence in XRP as a digital asset built not just for innovation but for long-term adoption and stability.

Turning to the regulatory landscape, Larsen expressed frustration with the current environment for companies seeking to go public in the United States. He described the process as overly bureaucratic and criticized the impact of short-sellers, who he claimed spread misinformation to manipulate stock prices. This perspective aligns with Ripple’s cautious stance on going public, echoed by Ripple President Monica Long, who stated that the company has no immediate plans for an initial public offering. The regulatory uncertainties and perceived hostility in the U.S. market have led Ripple to focus on building its business without rushing into public listings, ensuring that it can maintain strategic flexibility and protect its interests.

Looking ahead, Larsen hinted at a potentially bullish future for XRP, especially if XRP ETFs gain approval later in 2025. As Bitcoin’s price continues to climb to historically high levels, many investors are seeking alternative assets to diversify their portfolios and reduce risk. XRP’s strong technical foundations, combined with growing institutional interest and regulatory clarity, position it as a compelling option. Larsen’s comments suggest that XRP could benefit significantly from ETF-driven inflows, which might help drive prices higher and boost adoption.

Overall, Chris Larsen’s insights portray XRP as a carefully engineered cryptocurrency that improves upon Bitcoin’s model by offering greater speed, sustainability, and stability. His critiques of rival projects highlight the importance of predictability and community loyalty, while his comments on regulatory challenges reveal the hurdles Ripple faces in the U.S. market. With the possibility of ETFs on the horizon, XRP’s future looks promising, backed by a committed community and a clear long-term vision. Larsen’s reflections reinforce the notion that XRP is not just another altcoin but a strategic digital asset designed to meet the evolving demands of the global financial system.