Ripple Annual Impact Report

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Fintech for a Brighter Tomorrow

Since 2018, Ripple Impact has stood at the forefront of leveraging blockchain technology to drive meaningful, measurable change. In 2024, the initiative accelerated its mission—forging bolder partnerships, funding transformative projects, and empowering employees to contribute more actively to global progress. This year marked a pivotal shift in how Ripple applies its technology and resources to foster financial inclusion, advance sustainability, and support academic innovation.

Through strategic initiatives in impact finance, university research, carbon neutrality, and employee engagement, Ripple continues to demonstrate that fintech can be a powerful force for good. The following sections explore the milestones achieved in 2024 and highlight how Ripple is shaping a more inclusive and sustainable financial future.

👉 Discover how blockchain is powering global financial inclusion

Impact Finance: Expanding Access Through Innovation

Ripple significantly expanded its Impact Finance strategy in 2024, focusing on real-world applications built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and utilizing Ripple USD to improve access to affordable, equitable financial services. By partnering with organizations such as Mercy Corps Ventures, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Lab for Inclusive Fintech at UC Berkeley, Ripple is funding pilot programs and academic research designed to scale blockchain-based solutions in emerging markets.

These collaborations aim to enhance humanitarian aid delivery, strengthen financial resilience among underserved populations, and unlock economic opportunities through digital assets. For instance, Ripple’s partnership with IRC enabled faster, transparent fund disbursement in crisis zones, reducing reliance on traditional banking infrastructure.

Key 2024 Impact Finance Highlights:

These efforts underscore Ripple’s commitment to using blockchain not just as a technological advancement, but as a tool for systemic change in global finance.

University Blockchain Research Initiative: Building the Future of Fintech

The University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) remains a cornerstone of Ripple’s long-term vision. Since its inception in 2018, UBRI has established partnerships with 60 universities worldwide, fostering cutting-edge research and integrating blockchain education into academic curricula.

In 2024, UBRI welcomed Yonsei University in South Korea into its network while deepening support for existing partners like Morgan State University and the National University of Singapore’s Fintech Lab. These collaborations have led to advancements in consensus algorithms, decentralized identity, and cross-border payment protocols.

A major highlight of the year was the largest UBRI Connect conference to date, hosted at the University of Zurich. The event brought together leading academics, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of blockchain technology and its role in shaping next-generation financial systems.

UBRI 2024 Achievements:

By investing in academic talent and foundational research, Ripple is helping cultivate a skilled workforce ready to lead innovation in blockchain and fintech.

👉 See how students are shaping the future of digital finance

Leading in Crypto Sustainability and Carbon Market Innovation

Sustainability remains central to Ripple’s corporate mission. The XRP Ledger has been carbon neutral since 2020, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly blockchain networks. In 2024, Ripple made significant progress toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, securing 95% of the required carbon removals needed to meet this target.

Beyond renewable energy procurement, Ripple invests in proven nature-based carbon removal methods such as:

Additionally, Ripple co-founded Centigrade, a joint venture with the Rocky Mountain Institute, to modernize global carbon markets. Centigrade streamlines due diligence for carbon credit buyers and reduces time-to-market for project developers. As of 2024, the platform supports over 20 validated carbon removal methodologies and manages access to more than 10 million tonnes of carbon credits.

Sustainability Milestones:

These initiatives position Ripple as a leader in sustainable blockchain innovation, proving that environmental responsibility and technological advancement can go hand in hand.

Empowering Employees to Make a Difference

Ripple’s culture of giving is driven by its employees—known as Ripplers. In 2024, 80% of employees participated in Ripple Impact’s giving and volunteering programs, contributing time, skills, and donations to causes around the world.

From mentoring job seekers in New York and packing reclaimed food in London to supporting underprivileged students in Bangalore, Ripplers found diverse ways to create local impact. Since 2018, employee donations—matched by Ripple—have exceeded $1.7 million, supporting over 416 nonprofits globally.

Employees also play a direct role in advancing blockchain for social good. Through UBRI mentorship programs, they guide students on campus into careers in fintech and blockchain development. Others collaborate with nonprofit partners to implement Ripple-powered solutions in areas like humanitarian aid and financial literacy.

Employee Impact at a Glance:

This high level of engagement reflects Ripple’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering individuals to drive change.

Investing in Breakthrough Ideas

Ripple’s philanthropy spans four core impact pillars: blockchain research, impact finance, sustainability, and employee-driven initiatives. Since 2018, Ripple has donated over $200 million in XRP and cash to support nonprofits and academic institutions addressing global challenges.

In 2024 alone, Ripple provided funding to 70+ universities and nonprofits, with more than half receiving multi-year commitments. The company also joined Pledge 1%, pledging one percent of profits to accelerate blockchain innovation, expand financial services, and support local communities.

When natural disasters struck—such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton—Ripple responded swiftly with XRP donations to organizations like World Central Kitchen, ensuring rapid aid delivery to affected regions.

Notable 2024 Initiatives:

These actions reflect Ripple’s agile, values-driven approach to corporate responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ripple Impact?
A: Ripple Impact is Ripple’s global initiative focused on using blockchain technology to advance financial inclusion, support academic research, promote sustainability, and empower employee-driven social impact.

Q: How does Ripple support universities?
A: Through the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), Ripple funds scholarships, faculty grants, research projects, and curriculum development at over 60 partner institutions worldwide.

Q: Is the XRP Ledger environmentally friendly?
A: Yes. The XRP Ledger has been carbon neutral since 2020 and consumes minimal energy compared to traditional blockchains, making it one of the most sustainable public blockchains available.

Q: How is Ripple contributing to climate action?
A: Ripple is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. It secures carbon removals through nature-based solutions and co-developed Centigrade to improve transparency and efficiency in global carbon markets.

Q: Can individuals apply for Ripple grants or funding?
A: Ripple primarily partners with universities, nonprofits, and startups. Funding opportunities are typically announced through official channels and partner networks.

Q: What role do employees play in Ripple’s impact efforts?
A: Over 80% of Ripple employees participate in volunteering or donation-matching programs. They also mentor students, support humanitarian projects, and help integrate Ripple technology into real-world impact solutions.

👉 Explore how you can get involved in blockchain for social good