XRP Ledger Uses Server-Specific Validator Lists to Reach Consensus

The XRP Ledger reaches consensus through validator lists chosen by individual participants, with an 80% threshold applied to each server’s trusted list rather than a single company-wide vote.

Each participant selects trusted validators for a Unique Node List. The threshold applies to the validators trusted by an individual server, so the lists provide the basis for that server’s consensus process.

The network has more than 150 validators, while its default Unique Node List has more than 35. Ripple operated one validator on that default list as of July 2023. Those figures refer to different groups, and the one-validator count applies to the default list at that date.

XRP is the XRP Ledger’s native digital asset. The ledger is a public blockchain, and Ripple contributes to it with the same rights as other contributors.

In an interview published Aug. 6, 2025, David Schwartz, Ripple CTO Emeritus, said, “We have no interest or desire in running the network.”