When technical hiccups hit a major crypto exchange like Coinbase, the fallout is rarely just about delayed transactions. It becomes a test of clarity, trust, and accountability—especially when the messaging around a decentralized network is inaccurate.
This reality hit hard when Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, publicly called out Coinbase for mislabeling the XRP Ledger, underscoring that in crypto, precision matters as much as uptime.
Coinbase Faces XRPL Transaction Delays
On December 18, 2025, Coinbase reported delayed XRP transactions on its status page, noting that some users were experiencing slow sends and receives. The exchange reassured customers that fiat deposits, withdrawals, and trades remained unaffected, and that funds were safe.
Hey @coinbase, reminder on this. @msvadari is right (as usual)
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) December 18, 2025
While the impact on most users was limited, the timing was critical: a recent XRPL protocol upgrade had gone live, blocking older nodes from participating in network consensus.
The delays highlighted a fundamental challenge: exchanges rely on maintaining current infrastructure to interact seamlessly with decentralized networks. When node versions fall behind, even a robust blockchain like the XRPL can appear slow or unresponsive to users.
The Misnomer: “Ripple Network” vs. XRP Ledger
The controversy centered on terminology. Coinbase referred to the issue as affecting the “Ripple Network,” a misrepresentation that Ripple’s leadership quickly corrected. Mayukha Vadari, a prominent Ripple engineer, also chimed in, advising against conflating Ripple Labs—the company—with the decentralized XRP Ledger itself.
Garlinghouse reinforced this point on X, humorously but firmly noting that Coinbase needed to update its messaging. The distinction is critical: the XRPL is maintained by a global validator set, not controlled by Ripple Labs.
Mislabeling the network can mislead users about responsibility for technical issues and the true nature of the ledger’s decentralized governance.
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— TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025
Upgrades, Nodes, and Exchange Preparedness
The underlying cause of the delays was a network upgrade. The XRPL recently implemented a protocol amendment that blocked nodes running outdated software, requiring all validators and exchange nodes to upgrade to remain fully operational. Failure to do so results in delayed transactions or temporary disconnection from the network.
For Coinbase, this incident underscores a recurring theme in crypto infrastructure: exchanges must stay in sync with protocol changes. Network upgrades ensure security, performance, and feature improvements, but they also demand vigilance from service providers. Delays are not failures of the blockchain itself but of lagging infrastructure.
Lessons for Users and the Industry
This episode offers a dual lesson. First, terminology matters. Accurate communication preserves trust in both the network and the service provider. Second, infrastructure readiness is non-negotiable. As decentralized networks like the XRPL evolve rapidly, exchanges and custodial services must update continuously to avoid operational friction.
Garlinghouse’s intervention highlights a broader truth: in crypto, even minor misrepresentations can ripple through public perception. Ensuring accuracy—both in system updates and messaging—is essential to maintaining confidence in digital assets.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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