In the ongoing saga of Ripple Labs, a pivotal question has emerged: Who is the most valuable member of the company's history? The answer, according to Ripple's Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, is unequivocal: Chris Larsen, Ripple's co-founder.

In a recent interactive session with X users, Schwartz was posed with the question of Ripple's most important figure, with options ranging from himself to the company's current CEO, Brad Garlinghouse. Schwartz's response highlighted Larsen's early commitment to Ripple's vision, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. As one of Ripple's co-founders, Larsen played a pivotal role in shaping the company's trajectory, demonstrating unwavering belief in Ripple's potential long before others joined the cause.

Larsen's journey with Ripple, however, hasn't been without its challenges. In December 2020, Ripple, along with Larsen and Garlinghouse, faced legal action from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alleging the unlawful sale of XRP tokens. Despite these legal hurdles, the SEC dropped charges against the executives in October 2023, marking a significant victory for Ripple and positioning the company as a resilient contender in the face of regulatory scrutiny.

As Ripple's legal battles persist, attention has turned to Brad Garlinghouse, the company's CEO, and his contributions to Ripple's legal successes. Renowned attorney John E Deaton credits Garlinghouse as a driving force behind Ripple's advancements in the legal arena, advocating for his inclusion in any discussion of Ripple's key figures. Deaton even goes so far as to suggest that Garlinghouse deserves consideration for "CEO of the decade" honors should Ripple pursue an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming years.

With Ripple's legal battles ongoing and its future direction uncertain, the spotlight remains firmly on figures like Chris Larsen and Brad Garlinghouse, whose contributions have shaped the company's past, present, and potentially its future. As Ripple navigates the complexities of the cryptocurrency landscape, the legacy of its founding members and current leadership continues to be a subject of intrigue and speculation.