Interest in blockchain development is on the rise across multiple ecosystems, and comments from industry leaders often reveal how quickly the landscape is evolving.
A recent post from Luke Judges, Global Partnerships Lead and director at Ripple, offers a clear view into how cross-chain experience shapes industry expectations and why growth in the sector continues despite strong competition among networks.
Most XRP folks probs assume I’d hate Solana now that I’m at Ripple. Truth is, a lot of the newer crowd doesn’t know I built two startups in the Solana ecosystem and ran a validator with >$30m staked. Living through the ride from $200 > $8 > back up earns real trust.
Solana’s far…
— LJ (@luke_judges) November 29, 2025
Luke Judges' Background in the Solana Ecosystem
Judges noted that many newer XRP community members may not be aware of his extensive involvement with the Solana ecosystem before joining Ripple. He explained that he previously built two startups on Solana and operated a validator that held more than $30 million in stake. That experience, combined with observing the asset’s price move through extreme cycles, shaped his confidence in the resilience of its developer community.
He acknowledged, however, that Solana currently faces challenges, including a rapid decline in active validators. Even with this setback, he emphasized that Solana’s focus on speed and practical execution remains an advantage that other networks, including XRP Ledger and competing Layer-1 platforms, can observe and learn from. For him, ignoring the progress of other blockchains does not reflect the reality of today’s multi-network environment.
Judges also pointed to increasing strategic discipline from the Ethereum Foundation, noting that the organization has become more targeted in its go-to-market approach as competition intensifies across the sector.
Response to Community Commentary
In reply to a user who questioned whether trust holds value in the cryptocurrency industry, Judges reinforced his belief that meaningful innovation is present across many blockchain ecosystems. Based on his interactions with teams in various networks, he described a landscape filled with well-intentioned builders who are working toward long-term industry impact.
We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1
— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
He framed the previous era of major technological transformation as defined by mobile and cloud computing. In his view, the next major wave will be driven by artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Judges stated that the industry is approaching a significant turning point, with traditional financial institutions transitioning on-chain at a rate he described as unprecedented.
Growing Momentum at Ripple
Judges closed by sharing insight into his role at Ripple, explaining that he is currently receiving more inbound opportunities than at any previous point in his career. His remarks reflect the momentum Ripple is seeing as institutions increasingly explore blockchain-based infrastructure and on-chain financial solutions.
The comments collectively present a view of an industry expanding across multiple fronts, with cross-ecosystem insights informing how leaders, such as Judges, assess both the challenges and the accelerating opportunities ahead.