Ripple is a digital payment protocol that enables fast and low-cost international money transfers. It uses a unique cryptocurrency called XRP to facilitate transactions between different currencies, making it easier for banks and financial institutions to send money across borders. Ripple aims to improve the efficiency of the traditional banking system by reducing the time and fees associated with international payments. Unlike many cryptocurrencies, Ripple is not mined; instead, all XRP tokens were created at once. This allows for quicker transaction times, often settling in just a few seconds. Ripple's technology is gaining popularity among banks and payment providers, as it offers a reliable solution for global transactions.