The crypto industry is buzzing with excitement as Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has earned high praise from notable figures in the space. Prominent crypto attorney John Deaton, recognized for his advocacy on behalf of XRP holders during Ripple’s ongoing legal disputes with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), recently remarked that Garlinghouse could be likened to “the Steve Jobs of crypto.”
This comment arose from a social media query directed at identifying crypto personalities who might match the legacy of the late Apple innovator. Deaton pointed out both Garlinghouse and Coinbase’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, as exceptional leaders deserving recognition in this regard.
While specific criteria were not provided, the underlying message is clear: both Garlinghouse and Armstrong have exhibited remarkable leadership, particularly within the challenging landscape of regulatory scrutiny.
Strong Alliances in a Complicated Landscape
Deaton’s commitment to Garlinghouse traces back to the initial phases of the Ripple lawsuit. In 2021, he proactively filed an amicus brief to advocate for XRP holders, defending their interests against regulatory challenges.
This legal struggle cemented a robust partnership, and Garlinghouse has reciprocated by endorsing Deaton in his quest for a Senate seat against notable opponents.
My view is that it really could be either @brian_armstrong or @bgarlinghouse.
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) July 12, 2025
Furthermore, their corporations have engaged in political financing, highlighting their increasing involvement in legislative matters affecting digital currencies.
Adding a New Contender: Robinhood’s CEO
In a recent update, Deaton introduced a third potential “Steve Jobs” contender: Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood. He acknowledged that Tenev should have been included in his initial commentary.
This adjustment followed comments from a crypto enthusiast named Dave, who critiqued Deaton’s original selections. Dave argued that Ripple has not yet achieved optimal product-market fit and lacks a discernible competitive strategy against leading financial technology firms.
He posited that while Ripple possesses innovative components, the connection among them remains elusive, reiterating longstanding concerns regarding Ripple’s business approach, despite the company’s ongoing advancements in payment solutions.
Ripple is Paving the Way with New Offerings
Despite such criticisms, Ripple is actively pursuing growth opportunities. Recently, the company unveiled plans for RLUSD, a stablecoin conceived to bolster the global remittance sector.
The marketplace for such transactions is estimated at around $685 billion, and Ripple views this as a significant opportunity to deepen its involvement in international finance.
Image sourced from Quartr, chart provided by TradingView.
