Understanding the XRP Ledger Launched in 2012, the XRP Ledger is one of the longest-running public blockchains. Unlike proof-of-work networks, XRPL uses a consensus protocol that enables transactions to settle within seconds while consuming significantly less energy than traditional mining-based blockchains. Its key advantages include: Transaction settlement in approximately 3–5 seconds. Very low transaction fees, often measured in fractions of a cent. An open and decentralized architecture. Support for tokenization and decentralized financial applications. High scalability suitable for enterprise and public-sector use cases. These characteristics make XRPL particularly relevant for regions where affordable digital financial infrastructure is essential.