XRP is the native digital asset on the XRP Ledger blockchain, originally designed to support payments. XRP primarily facilitates transactions on the network and connects currencies on the native decentralized trading platform on the XRP Ledger. XRP is the native digital asset of the XRP Ledger chain—an open-source, decentralized blockchain technology open to the public. Created in 2012 specifically for making payments, XRP can settle transactions on the financial ledger within 3-5 seconds, using a network of trusted validators to verify transactions on the financial ledger. XRP can be sent directly without the need for a central intermediary, making it a convenient tool for quickly and efficiently connecting two currencies. It is freely traded on the open market and is used in the real world to enable cross-border transactions and microtransactions. XRP can also be used to exchange different currencies and access liquidity in digital currencies.