John Deaton has once again expressed admiration for Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, likening him to Steve Jobs. This statement underscores the influence both leaders have on the evolution of the crypto industry.
Deaton and Garlinghouse Built Strong Ties Through Legal Battles
The relationship between John Deaton and Brad Garlinghouse developed in the context of the ongoing litigation between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which concluded in 2025. In 2021, Deaton filed a legal brief in support of XRP holders, defending their interests during the case. Garlinghouse also supported Deaton outside the courtroom by endorsing him in his campaign against Senator Elizabeth Warren in the 2024 U.S. Senate race. This reflects their close connection.
Visionaries in the Crypto Industry
Deaton highlighted that both Garlinghouse and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong are bold leaders who have contributed to shaping the cryptocurrency landscape. Both CEOs are actively advocating for clear regulations in the crypto space. Despite facing legal challenges, their companies continue to fight for the future of cryptocurrency. Deaton also mentioned Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, as another prominent figure in the crypto industry.
Ripple’s Growth and New Projects
Despite criticisms, Ripple is continuing to grow and is focusing on the global remittance market worth over $685 billion. Its new stablecoin, RLUSD, is designed to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper. This initiative reflects Ripple's ambition to become a global player in financial services, embodying the bold thinking associated with leaders like Steve Jobs.
In conclusion, the support and mutual respect among crypto industry leaders such as Deaton, Garlinghouse, and Armstrong highlight the importance of their influence on technology and regulations in the cryptocurrency space.
