In a bid to clarify its position, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has repeatedly stated that Ripple does not control XRP. This assertion comes amidst ongoing legal battles with the SEC and follows a significant price surge in XRP following the recent settlement. This clarification is crucial for understanding XRP’s decentralized nature and shaping market confidence. The price rally of 500% after the settlement is attributed to a combination of factors, including the clarity around XRP’s non-security status for retail transactions, which promotes institutional confidence in related products. Garlinghouse has previously emphasized that XRP operates independently of Ripple, managed by a decentralized network. This distinction could influence future regulatory actions and potentially benefit other decentralized projects. However, cryptocurrency markets remain volatile, and investors must proceed with caution.