The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has long been a topic of discussion in the blockchain space, especially regarding its governance model and the role of Ripple, the company behind the development of XRP. In a recent clarification, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), David Schwartz, addressed widespread concerns about centralization, emphasizing that the XRPL operates as a truly decentralized network—governed not by any single entity, but by its open-source code and node operators.
Published on January 28, 2025, Schwartz’s statements come amid ongoing community debates about control, transparency, and technical autonomy within the XRPL ecosystem. His insights offer a clear look into how blockchain governance functions in practice—and why Ripple holds no special authority over the network.
How XRPL Governance Actually Works
At the heart of Schwartz’s explanation is a fundamental principle of decentralized systems: the code determines the rules. When asked who controls what changes are allowed on the XRPL, he responded succinctly:
"No. The primary governance mechanism is the code node operators choose to run. That's what determines what state changes are or aren't allowed."
This means that no single organization—including Ripple—can unilaterally alter the functionality of the XRP Ledger. Instead, every node operator independently decides which version of the software to run. If a proposed change isn’t accepted by the majority of nodes, it won’t be enforced on the network.
This model mirrors other major layer-one blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where consensus is achieved through decentralized participation rather than corporate oversight.
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Anyone Can Propose or Modify XRPL Code
One of the most powerful aspects of the XRPL’s design is its openness. According to Schwartz, there are no restrictions on who can modify the codebase or propose new features. The XRPL is fully open-source, meaning developers worldwide can review, fork, and enhance the protocol.
Schwartz outlined three critical attributes of the XRPL code:
- Open-Source Freedom: The code is publicly available and free from legal barriers, enabling anyone to contribute or build upon it.
- Voluntary Participation: Node operators are never forced to adopt updates they disagree with. This ensures that changes only take effect when there's broad consensus.
- Forkability: If a group of users or developers wants to implement a different vision for the network, they are entirely free to create a fork—just as has happened with other blockchains in the past.
These principles reinforce the idea that the XRPL is not controlled by Ripple, but rather shaped collectively by its global community of developers, validators, and users.
Addressing the “Hooks” Controversy
A recent flashpoint in the XRPL community involved the removal of a feature known as “hooks”—a proposed smart contract functionality that would have allowed more complex on-chain logic. Some community members interpreted Ripple’s decision to deprioritize hooks as evidence of undue influence.
Schwartz clarified that this move was driven by technical risk assessment, not corporate control. He explained that hooks were considered too potentially disruptive to network stability and security at this stage. Therefore, the development team chose to delay or remove them—not because Ripple has unilateral power, but because responsible stewardship requires balancing innovation with safety.
He emphasized:
“For all decentralized layer one blockchains, the rules are set and enforced by the code. You can essentially modify the code to allow or prohibit anything.”
This means that if a sufficient number of node operators wanted to reintroduce hooks—or any other feature—they could do so by running modified software. The decision ultimately rests with the decentralized network, not with Ripple.
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Keywords Driving Understanding: XRPL, XRP Ledger, Decentralization, Open-Source Blockchain, Node Operators, Ripple CTO, Blockchain Governance
These core keywords reflect both the technical and philosophical underpinnings of the XRPL. By naturally integrating terms like decentralization, node operators, and blockchain governance, this article aligns with search intent around transparency, technical autonomy, and trustless systems—key concerns for crypto users evaluating digital asset platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does Ripple control the XRP Ledger?
A: No. While Ripple contributes to XRPL development, it does not control the network. Governance is determined by the code run by independent node operators across the globe.
Q: Can anyone change the XRPL code?
A: Yes. The XRPL is open-source, meaning any developer can modify the code. However, changes only become effective if adopted by a majority of node operators.
Q: What happened to the 'hooks' feature on XRPL?
A: Hooks—a proposed smart contract tool—were removed due to concerns over security and network stability. This decision was based on technical evaluation, not centralized control.
Q: Is the XRP Ledger truly decentralized?
A: Yes. Like other layer-one blockchains, the XRPL relies on distributed consensus. No single entity can override the rules enforced by the network’s code and validator nodes.
Q: Can the XRPL be forked?
A: Absolutely. Because it’s open-source, anyone can create a fork of the XRPL to experiment with new features or governance models.
Q: Who decides which updates get implemented on XRPL?
A: Updates require consensus among node operators. Ripple may propose improvements, but adoption depends on community agreement.
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Final Thoughts: Trust Through Transparency
David Schwartz’s clarification serves as a timely reminder that decentralization isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a structural reality built into the fabric of well-designed blockchains. The XRP Ledger exemplifies this principle: while Ripple plays a supportive role in development and advocacy, ultimate authority lies with the network participants.
As blockchain technology evolves, understanding who controls what—and how decisions are made—will remain crucial for investors, developers, and users alike. The XRPL’s model offers a compelling case study in how open-source collaboration and voluntary consensus can sustain a secure, scalable, and truly decentralized ecosystem.
By demystifying governance and reaffirming the power of code over corporate influence, Schwartz reinforces confidence in XRPL as a resilient platform for future innovation in payments, smart contracts, and digital asset infrastructure.