Ripple 2023 Impact Report highlights $185M in donations since 2018, $25M in 2023 grants, tokenization of 1M carbon credits, and advances in financial inclusion.
Ripple has released its 2023 Ripple Impact Report, aiming to highlight its achievements in social and environmental initiatives. Since its inception in 2018, Ripple Impact has focused on financial inclusion, blockchain research, and sustainability, allegedly making contributions in these areas throughout the past year.
Our 2023 #RippleImpact Report is here! Packed full of insights, stories, and partnerships, this report is a reflection of Ripple’s ongoing commitment to being a global force for good.
🔗 Read the report here: https://t.co/dYvFBU01vY
— Ripple (@Ripple) June 18, 2024
Financial Inclusion Efforts
Per the report, Ripple has made significant strides in expanding financial access for underserved populations. Collaborating with organizations such as the Mojaloop Foundation and the Lab for Inclusive Fintech at the University of California, Berkeley, Ripple has worked to provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked.
The ongoing partnership with Mercy Corps Ventures has resulted in six new investments in early-stage companies and five pilot programs in 2023, benefiting over 3 million underserved individuals with financial products and services.
Advances in Blockchain Research
Further, Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) continues to drive blockchain innovation. The initiative added seven new academic partners across Europe, Canada, and Australia, expanding its global network.
In 2023, Ripple allocated $6.7 million in grants to support blockchain education, funding over 300 scholarships and fellowships. This effort has resulted in the publication of 153 research papers and technical projects. The largest UBRI Connect conference to date was held in Toronto, Canada, attracting record attendance and fostering further collaboration in the field.
Commitment to Sustainability
According to the report, Ripple has maintained its leadership in sustainability within the fintech sector, aiming for net zero emissions by 2030. In 2022, Ripple committed $100 million to advance global carbon markets.
This included investments in high-quality carbon removal projects, grants to climate-focused NGOs, and the co-founding of Centigrade, a company dedicated to improving the availability of durable carbon credits. Additionally, Ripple tokenized 1 million carbon credits on the XRP Ledger, supporting its focus on environmental sustainability.
Employee and Global Impact
Moreover, Ripple’s employees have shown remarkable engagement in community service, with 77% participating in giving and volunteering programs. Recognized by People’s 2023 100 Companies that Care list, Ripple received the Beyond the Check Award for its partnership with the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.
The company also launched a new partnership with Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity in London. In response to humanitarian crises, Ripple allocated grants to aid recovery efforts following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.
Community Reactions and Regulatory Discussions
The Ripple community has been active in discussing the company’s strategic moves. Speculation arose that Ripple might be hindering XRP from reaching its all-time high of $3.84 due to monthly sales and potential impacts on retail liquidity. However, these have been debunked.
Meanwhile, a Stanford paper highlighted Ripple’s strategic value and criticized regulatory delays in the U.S., sparking further debate about the country’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation.