XRP attorney John Deaton stirred conversation in the crypto space after suggesting that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse might be the Steve Jobs of the industry.
Responding to a prompt on X, Deaton placed Garlinghouse—and Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong—in the running for the title, citing their leadership and lasting influence.
Though he didn’t elaborate, the implication was clear: both executives are seen as visionary figures who’ve steered their companies through legal and regulatory minefields while pushing for broader crypto adoption. Deaton has previously supported both Garlinghouse and Armstrong, and was endorsed by both during his U.S. Senate bid.
Garlinghouse’s leadership at Ripple, particularly through its legal battle with the SEC, has earned him praise among crypto advocates. The company is now expanding its focus to global remittances, targeting the $685 billion payments market with its RLUSD stablecoin.
Later, Deaton added Robinhood’s Vlad Tenev to the mix, saying he also deserved recognition in discussions of industry-shaping leadership. His revised stance came after pushback from users who questioned Ripple’s product-market fit and cohesion.
Still, the debate reflects a broader question facing crypto: which leaders are shaping the narrative, and who will define the industry’s legacy?
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/brad-garlinghouse-vs-brian-armstrong-who-deserves-the-steve-jobs-of-crypto-title/