Jake Claver, CEO of Digital Ascension Group, has shared what he sees as major facts about XRP and the XRP Ledger that would never change.
Claver made this disclosure amid the ongoing relentless attacks the XRP ecosystem has witnessed in recent times. These criticisms intensified within the Chainlink camp as well as from Solana community figures.
XRP’s Decentralization and Deflationary Model
Notably, in his X commentary, Claver first highlighted XRP’s decentralization. For context, the XRP Ledger runs as a layer-one blockchain supported by a global network of independent validators, with 185 currently running on rippled versions, per XRPScan.
No matter what anyone says, facts don’t change:
XRP is decentralized
XRP is deflationary
The XRPL has a built-in DEX (first launched in 2012)
The XRPL supports tokens, stablecoins, and RWAs (first blockchain to introduce tokenization)
The XRPL’s features are native to the L1…— Jake Claver, QFOP (@beyond_broke) December 24, 2025
The network uses its own consensus model instead of proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, which prevents any single entity from controlling the system. While Ripple helped promote early adoption, it does not own or control the XRPL, which operates as an open-source network.
Secondly, Claver addressed XRP’s deflationary model. Notably, XRP launched in 2012 with a fixed supply of 100 billion tokens, and the protocol does not allow the creation of new tokens.
However, each transaction permanently removes a very small amount of XRP, usually about 0.00001 XRP, to discourage spam. Since launch, this process has burned 14.2 million XRP, about 0.014% of the total supply. Although the reduction remains small, the supply continues to decline over time.
XRPL Features Native DEX, Supports Tokenization, and Avoids External Threats
For his third point, Claver highlighted the XRPL’s built-in decentralized exchange (DEX). Upon its launch in 2012, the XRPL came with a native DEX that still operates today. It allows users to trade XRP and issued tokens directly using a central limit order book. The network later added automated market makers to improve liquidity, all without relying on external applications.
Meanwhile, Claver’s fourth fact revolved around tokenization. From its launch, the XRPL has allowed users to issue custom tokens representing stablecoins, real-world assets, and other financial instruments.
The network introduced this capability without smart contracts, making it the first blockchain to support broad token issuance at the protocol level. Over time, this support has expanded to include fungible tokens, NFTs, and assets such as tokenized treasuries and real estate.
For his fifth point, Claver called attention to the XRPL’s unique design that makes it stand out. Specifically, core functions such as payments, escrow, token issuance, and decentralized trading operate directly at the layer-one level.
This removes dependence on complex smart contracts and reduces exposure to common risks like exploits, wallet drains, and blind signing. Notably, while tools like Hooks allow limited programmability, the main network keeps its core features native and rule-based.
Chainlink Proponent Presents a Counter Opinion
Meanwhile, Fishy Catfish, a Chainlink proponent that has persistently championed some of the attacks on XRP, responded with his own facts in an attempt to identify weak points surrounding the XRPL network.
Notably, he argued that XRP lacks a mechanism that links usage to price growth and noted that only a small portion of supply has burned since 2012. He also claimed that using XRP as a bridge asset does not support price appreciation because trades involve quick buying and selling.
Speaking further, the pundit suggested that holding XRP provides no exposure to Ripple’s business growth. He also described the XRPL as outdated, citing low rankings in total value locked, a limited share of the real-world asset and stablecoin markets, a small number of full-time developers, and daily DEX volume below $3 million.
According to him, Ripple focuses on expanding its broader ecosystem and shareholder value rather than the XRPL itself. He referenced Ripple’s decision to issue most RLUSD on Ethereum and bridge it to other networks, claiming that activity on those chains benefits their ecosystems, not XRP.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
