Ripple CTO Answers XRP Ledger Question: Is There Value In Being Differentiated?

Vet (@Vet_X0), a prominent validator and advocate for the XRP Ledger (XRPL), recently shared insights into what sets the network apart.

Recounting a conversation with Ripple CTO David Schwartz, Vet stated that when asked if there was value in being differentiated, Schwartz's immediate response was "Absolutely."

This exchange reinforced Vet's conviction that the XRPL's design stands in contrast to many other blockchains due to its steadfast adherence to the principle of independence.

A Network Built on Independence

Vet emphasized that the XRPL remains one of the few blockchains still faithful to the original "be your own bank" concept. His remarks highlighted how the network’s structure prioritizes autonomy over dependence on intermediaries.

In his view, the XRPL allows users to operate "without relying on others," maintaining control over their assets and transactions. This independence has always been at the core of blockchain’s purpose, but according to Vet, many newer networks have drifted toward centralization through layers of governance and complex incentives.

Unlike platforms that introduce high infrastructure costs or impose transaction taxes through built-in token mechanics, the XRPL is designed for accessibility. Running a node remains relatively inexpensive, ensuring that participation in the network is not limited to a small group of entities.

Freedom from Protocol Control

In his post, Vet described how other blockchains often rely on mechanisms that function like hidden taxes. These can take the form of staking rewards, validator incentives, or other systems that indirectly direct value toward centralized participants.

By contrast, the XRPL’s model avoids such structures. It focuses instead on efficiency, minimal fees, and the ability for anyone to interact directly with the ledger without permission or protocol-level barriers.

For Vet, this distinction speaks to the network’s philosophical foundation, a commitment to ensuring that users retain full control. He compared the XRPL’s approach to an "eBay without eBay," meaning a marketplace that operates entirely without a central authority.

The Power of Differentiation

Vet concluded his message by returning to the question he posed to Schwartz. The XRPL’s differences, once seen by some as limitations, now represent its greatest strength. It is not another smart contract chain competing in a crowded field, but occupies a distinct space where utility is a priority.

Vet noted, "If you want these things, then there is only the XRPL." In a market saturated with lookalike technologies, the XRPL’s identity is defined by what it does not imitate. Its value, as both Vet and Schwartz agreed, lies in being different and in staying that way.