Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Clarifies XRP and Ripple Stock Distinction Amid Linqto Share Acquisition

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to address investor concerns, emphasizing the clear distinction between XRP and Ripple equity shares. His statement followed reports that Linqto, an independent private market investment platform, acquired 4.7 million Ripple shares from existing shareholders.

Garlinghouse confirmed that Ripple has verified Linqto's holdings, which should reassure investors about the legitimacy of the transaction. However, he clarified that Ripple has no oversight over how Linqto manages its "representative units" sold to participants. As a result, Ripple cannot guarantee Linqto's business practices or their future handling of these shares.

On a positive note, Garlinghouse highlighted that Ripple’s stock value has surged significantly over time, suggesting that Linqto unit holders could realize substantial gains from their investments.

Impact on Investors:
- Clarity on XRP vs. Ripple Equity: Reinforces that XRP (the cryptocurrency) and Ripple stock are separate assets.
- Transparency Concerns: Investors should conduct due diligence on Linqto’s operations, as Ripple does not control their actions.
- Potential Upside: Long-term Ripple shareholders may benefit from continued valuation growth, but risks depend on Linqto’s management.