**XRP** is the native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, designed to facilitate fast and cost-effective international transactions. Created in 2012 by Ripple Labs, its main objective is to serve as a bridge between traditional currencies in cross-border payments, reducing costs and times (3-5 seconds per transaction). Unlike Bitcoin, XRP does not use mining; all of its 100 billion coins were pre-mined, with a portion in the hands of Ripple. Its technology, the XRP Ledger consensus protocol, is more energy-efficient than traditional blockchains. However, it faces regulatory controversies, such as the SEC lawsuit in the U.S. for alleged unregistered securities sales. Its adoption is focused on financial institutions.$XRP