Ripple

Ripple is both a digital payment protocol and a digital currency (called XRP). It enables fast, low-cost international money transfers directly between parties, without traditional banks or intermediaries. Ripple's technology uses a consensus algorithm to validate transactions quickly, often within seconds. Financial institutions use Ripple to improve cross-border payment efficiency, making transfers more secure and less expensive. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple is designed primarily for enterprise and banking use, focusing on improving global financial infrastructure.