Ripple is not a crypto currency in the usual sense of the word. In fact, this is a settlement system designed to become a faster, transparent and safer alternative for existing ones (for example, for the SWIFT system used by banks). XRP - the so-called Ripple coins - are used to facilitate transfers in various currencies. In existing settlement systems, the basis for conversion is usually the US dollar. The process is associated with additional costs and takes a long time - which is why bank transfers between countries often take up to 3 days. Converting payment to XRP instead of dollars, the system saves on stock costs, and transaction processing takes a few seconds.