Ripple’s Deep Washington Connections: Board Members, Policy Staff & Lobbyists with Government Experience Ripple has positioned itself at the intersection of traditional finance and U.S. policymaking through several high-profile hires and lobbying efforts:

Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States (2009–2016), joined Ripple’s Board of Directors in May 2021. She explicitly stated she did so because she believes in XRP’s ability to improve cross-border finance, commenting, “I am on the board of Ripple… I joined Ripple’s board because XRP has a purpose” and adding, “The government will follow.” Politico +7 AInvest +7 The Block +7 Politico AInvest +2 TradingView +2 Finance Magnates +2

Lauren Belive (also referred to as Lauren Hive in press coverage), who previously held policy roles in the Obama White House and in Congress—including the House Rules Committee and the Office of Legislative Affairs—began serving as Ripple’s Head of U.S. Public Policy & Government Affairs in late 2023. X (formerly Twitter) +2 The Block +2 CCN.com +2

Lobbying team: In 2024, 15 out of 23 of Ripple’s registered lobbyists (over 65%) were previously employed by federal or state governments, underscoring a deliberate playbook of hiring former officials to shape crypto policy. Cryptonary +4 OpenSecrets +4 Tech Transparency Project +4

Other notable connections include the hiring of lobbyist Brian Ballard, a longtime ally of former President Trump, to advocate for Ripple’s regulatory interests in Washington in late 2024. Politico +1 The Guardian +1

🧩 Why It Matters These appointments are emblematic of the “revolving door” dynamic—where professionals transition between government work and private sector roles, especially in lobbying—to leverage insider expertise and networks. The crypto industry, including Ripple, has been a major beneficiary of this effect. en.wikipedia.org +4 Tech Transparency Project +4 OpenSecrets +4

📋 Summary Name / Role U.S. Government Connection Role at Ripple Rosie Rios (Board Member) Former U.S. Treasurer Board of Directors Lauren Belive (Policy Head) Former Obama WH & Congressional staff Head of U.S. Public Policy & Government Affairs Lobbyists (15 individuals) Ex-government roles Ripple’s lobbying team Brian Ballard (Lobbyist) Trump ally, longtime fundraiser Regulatory liaison and lobbyist

🚨 Key Takeaway Ripple has woven a network of former U.S. officials and insiders into its leadership and advocacy strategy. The presence of a former U.S. Treasurer on its board, a former White House staffer leading policy efforts, and a heavily “former-official–based” lobbying corps signals a deliberate alignment with political capital in D.C. This helps Ripple navigate regulatory challenges—even as critics raise concerns over influence and potential conflicts of interest.