Unlike Bitcoin, which is run by a decentralised peer-to-peer network and controlled by no single entity, the cryptocurrency XRP was created and is run by a single company. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are positioning themselves as independent alternatives to traditional currencies, the goal of Ripple is pretty much the exact opposite: Ripple wants to act as a global settlement network and hence, works closely together with banks and financial institutions. The goal of XRP is to act as a flexible middle-man currency to allow the exchange of any unit of value, from fiat currencies such as the US dollar or euro, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to commodities or frequent flier miles.