XRP is a cryptocurrency created and managed in part by the US company Ripple Labs. It’s one of several products designed by Ripple Labs to enhance the speed and efficiency of international payments. XRP operates on the XRP Ledger, a decentralized, open-source platform that can process transactions in just 3 to 5 seconds.
XRP networks operate a little differently compared to most other cryptocurrencies. Essentially, the majority of crypto options allow anyone who can solve complex equations quickly to access transaction ledgers and verification processes. However, Ripple transactions have an extra layer of security since most ledger holders must agree with the verification to join the rest of the miners.
Given how it operates, XRP’s Ripple network centralizes things and uses a consensus protocol. Therefore, anyone can download its validation software. However, it maintains special node lists that you can select to verify your transactions and point out participants who are least likely to defraud you. Moreover, sending XRP directly without an intermediary is possible, so it can conveniently bridge two currencies. That being the case, the primary role of XRP is to serve as a bridge for exchanging different currencies.