Ripple, represented by the symbol XRP, is a digital payment protocol and cryptocurrency designed to facilitate fast, low-cost cross-border transactions. Ripple was created in 2012 by Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb, with the primary goal of providing a more efficient alternative to traditional payment systems like SWIFT.

Ripple's payment protocol, known as the RippleNet, connects banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions, enabling them to send and receive money globally with minimal fees and latency. XRP, the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, is used as a bridge currency to facilitate these transactions. Ripple has gained significant adoption among financial institutions worldwide, with many banks and payment providers joining the RippleNet to improve their cross-border payment capabilities.