[Axelar (AXL)](https://exolix.com/currencies/axl){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, also known as Axelar Network, is a decentralized interoperability network. This network has been created with the sole purpose of connecting various blockchain systems, thus enabling seamless communication, transfer of assets, and execution of smart contracts. With the crypto space growing and various blockchain systems, including [Ethereum](https://exolix.com/currencies/eth){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [Cosmos](https://exolix.com/currencies/atom){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [Avalanche](https://exolix.com/currencies/avax){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [BNB](https://exolix.com/currencies/bnb){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [Polygon](https://exolix.com/currencies/matic){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [Optimism](https://exolix.com/currencies/op){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, [Arbitrum](https://exolix.com/currencies/arb){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}, and many more, emerging independently, the need for a cross-chain infrastructure has never been more significant. Axelar has come up with a unique message passing layer, along with a decentralized validator set and cryptography, to solve this problem.

The AXL crypto token is used for security, governance, and transaction fees, and cross-chain operations. With the increasing adoption of Axelar coin by dApps, bridges, and wallets, Axelar has emerged as a leading interoperability network in the blockchain space.

This article will delve into the functionality of Axelar coin, the creator of Axelar bridge, what makes Axelar unique, the functionality of the AXL crypto token under the new tokenomics, and the comparison of Axelar with other cross-chain systems.

[![axl-swap.png](https://blog.exolix.com/uploads/axl_swap_51e572cfa9.png)](https://exolix.com/currencies/axl){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}

How Does Axelar (AXL) Work?
---------------------------

Axelar functions as a decentralized interoperability network that enables different blockchains and applications to communicate with each other. Rather than using conventional bridges that frequently depend on centralized custody or multisig solutions, Axelar coin has designed a trust-minimized, validator-secured messaging layer that can facilitate the transfer of assets, the execution of cross-chain smart contracts, and the synchronization of application state between different blockchain networks.

In other words, Axelar coin can be considered the "internet layer" for blockchains, allowing any blockchain to communicate with any other blockchain through a standardized communication framework.

### 1\. Gateway Contracts: The Entry and Exit Points

Each blockchain connected to Axelar crypto has a gateway smart contract, which is used to communicate messages between chains. When a user or dApp wants to send a transfer or a cross-chain command, the following happens:

-   Chain A sends a request to its gateway

-   The gateway locks, burns, or registers an event

-   The event is verified by Axelar validators

-   Chain B's gateway performs the corresponding operation

This gateway model provides consistency between chains without forcing them to change their consensus logic.

### 2\. Validator-Secured Cross-Chain Consensus

Axelar is constructed as a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system, which means that the validators are required to stake AXL coin in order to secure the network. Their tasks include:

-   event verification on source chains

-   voting and achieving consensus on cross-chain messages

-   authorization of execution on destination chains

If the validators act in a malicious manner, they can be slashed. This economic security system is much more robust than the centralized bridges, which are secured by a group of signers.

### 3\. Universal Message-Passing Layer

The most important innovation of Axelar coin is its general message passing, which enables developers to create cross-chain applications without having to create bridges between blockchains individually. This enables complex interactions such as:

-   Minting an NFT on Polygon, triggered by a contract on Ethereum

-   Executing a swap on Avalanche, initiated by a wallet on Cosmos

-   Sending governance instructions across multiple blockchains

-   Conducting multi-chain airdrops and automated strategies

Developers can deploy their applications everywhere by simply developing once.

### 4\. Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM)

AVM, which was created to increase programmability on AXL coin, enables developers to use existing smart contract tooling to create cross-chain logic. Applications built on top of the AVM can:

-   orchestrate complex workflows across numerous chains

-   optimize the routing of liquidity

-   deploy smart contracts that operate on multiple chains with unified logic

-   automate bridging and settlement

This means that AXL coin is no longer just an interoperability layer, but a programmable one.

### 5\. Axelar Bridge for Asset Transfers

For users, Axelar crypto provides a simple and intuitive bridge interface. Behind the scenes:

-   assets are locked or burned on the source chain

-   validators verify the event

-   assets are minted or released on the destination chain

The main difference is security, which is provided by Axelar's PoS validator network to mitigate risks typically found in multisig Axelar bridge.

### 6\. Developer and Application Integration

Axelar crypto can be integrated directly with dApps, wallets, and DeFi protocols through SDK and API support, which enables:

-   seamless cross-chain swaps

-   liquidity routing

-   unified UX for multi-chain platforms

-   native support inside wallets and ecosystems

By providing abstraction from cross-chain complexity, Axelar enables developers to focus on product logic rather than interoperability engineering.

Who Created Axelar?
-------------------

Axelar was started by Sergey Gorbunov and Georgios Vlachos, two of the earliest contributors to the Algorand blockchain and experts in cryptography and distributed systems. The experience of developing secure consensus protocols for blockchain networks has greatly influenced AXL coin development as a trust-minimized and interoperable network rather than a bridge.

Axelar was incubated by MIT alumni and researchers, providing it with solid foundations and a focus on verifiable security models. The early development of Axelar has been aided by collaboration with some of the best blockchain engineers, cryptographers, and protocol developers in the industry.

AXL crypto has received funding from some of the best venture capital funds in the industry, including:

-   Polychain Capital

-   Dragonfly Capital

-   North Island Ventures

-   Galaxy Digital

The Axelar bridge launched in 2022, and it has quickly grown to become one of the most integrated cross-chain networks in the industry. The original vision of Axelar is still relevant today: to create a unified Web3 ecosystem where applications can work seamlessly across any blockchain without any fragmentation or trust issues.

What Makes Axelar Unique?
-------------------------

What makes AXL crypto unique in the interoperability space is that it provides a decentralized, programmable, and developer-friendly cross-chain communication layer. Unlike most traditional blockchain bridges, which are based on a centralized signing process or isolated connectivity between blockchains, Axelar bridge is designed to create a general framework that is capable of connecting any blockchain with any other blockchain.

### A Decentralized Security Model

Most blockchain bridges are based on a multisig wallet or validator set, which is a single point of failure. Axelar crypto , on the other hand, uses a Proof-of-Stake validator network, where dozens of independent validators are used to secure message passing, thus greatly reducing the risk and aligning with the security standards of L1 blockchains.

### Generalized Message Passing

However, Axelar crypto does not just stop at moving assets. It allows apps to transfer arbitrary data between blockchains, which means that it will be possible to do:

-   Cross-Chain Governance

-   Multi-Chain Smart Contract Execution

-   Decentralized Exchanges that work across multiple chains

-   Unified User Interfaces for Multi-Chain Apps

Developers will be able to deploy a single app that will work across many chains, without having to re-code it to work on each chain individually.

### Programmability Through the Axelar Virtual Machine

With the AVM, Axelar crypto makes the programmability of the interoperability layer possible. This will enable protocols to include advanced automation, routing, and multi-chain capabilities that were not feasible before.

### Broad and Growing Ecosystem Support

Axelar crypto is compatible with dozens of blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, Cosmos, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Fantom, and many more. This makes Axelar one of the most interconnected networks in Web3. It is also a part of various DeFi, NFT, gaming, and Web3 infrastructure projects.

### A Unified User and Developer Experience

AXL crypto helps to overcome the fragmented nature of Web3 through:

-   a single integration path for developers

-   standardized connectivity to all major chains

-   consistent UX, regardless of the network used

This makes multi-chain development a streamlined process, rather than a complex engineering challenge.

The AXL Token and New Tokenomics
--------------------------------

The AXL coin is the native asset of the Axelar Network and plays a crucial role in the security, governance, and cross-chain functionality of the Axelar Network. As Axelar continues to develop and improve its interoperability capabilities, especially with the Axelar Virtual Machine, the AXL token's economic model has evolved to ensure long-term sustainability and network adoption.

### Core Functions of the AXL Coin

#### 1\. Network Security (Staking & Validation)

The Axelar Network's Proof of Stake model requires users to stake their AXL tokens to participate in the network's consensus mechanism. The amount of AXL staked by users determines their voting power in validating cross-chain messages. Any malicious activity will result in the user losing their AXL tokens. This creates a direct relationship between the network and the economic incentives of the users.

#### 2\. Gas Fees & Cross-Chain Operations

The AXL tokens are used to pay for transactions within the network, including executing cross-chain messages, executing gateway logic, deploying AVM contracts, and computing multi-chain functions. This makes AXL the economic fuel of the Axelar Network.

#### 3\. Governance and Protocol Upgrades

AXL token holders also contribute to the decentralized nature of Axelar network, voting on the direction of the network's development. These voting decisions could include the addition of new chains, parameter changes, feature upgrades, or changes in cross-chain routing. This ensures the network's longevity and reliability as a neutral piece of public infrastructure.

### New Tokenomics Model

Tokenomics have also been greatly improved, making Axelar token, AXL, more useful and increasing its long-term viability. Inflation will gradually decrease, focusing on sustainable growth while continuing to incentivize validators. AXL rewards will continue to increase their reliance on network usage, and the Axelar Virtual Machine will create further demand for AXL. New fee capture methods will also ensure AXL benefits from the increasing cross-chain traffic within the network.

### Long-Term Value Proposition

With more and more blockchains and decentralized applications utilizing Axelar's cross-chain technology, the demand for AXL crypto will continue to rise. AXL is used for deploying AVM programs, for cross-chain execution fees, and for validators who stake their AXL tokens.

Where to Buy Axelar (AXL)?
--------------------------

Axelar (AXL) is listed on a broad range of centralized as well as decentralized platforms. This means users have several ways to access the asset. With the growth of Axelar's interoperability network, the liquidity of AXL crypto is increasing on the top ecosystems.

[![axl-swap.png](https://blog.exolix.com/uploads/axl_swap_51e572cfa9.png)](https://exolix.com/currencies/axl){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}

The majority of users will get their Axelar (AXL) through centralized exchanges. This is because they are usually the most accessible option. Centralized exchanges support fiat deposits, card purchases, bank transfers, as well as crypto-to-crypto transactions. These are the best option for new users.

However, users who want to use decentralized swaps to get their Axelar (AXL) will have an option. These are platforms that do not require users to create an account, nor do they require any KYC verification. The platforms will enable users to make direct swaps between their wallets. This means users will not have to share their personal information.

In addition to this, AXL can also be found on various decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that support chains that have integrated Axelar. This helps users to buy AXL coin while at the same time retaining full control over their private keys and being able to interact with smart contracts directly.

In order to make it easier for users to understand how to go about buying AXL crypto, here are some of the most common ways to go about it:

-   Centralized exchanges (CEXs): Best option for beginners and those who prefer high liquidity trades

-   Non-custodial swap platforms: Quick and private swaps to personal wallets

-   Decentralized exchanges: On-chain trades for those who prefer to retain full wallet control.

Regardless of the method chosen, it is imperative that the buyer ensures that their wallet supports AXL crypto on the correct network. This is due to the fact that Axelar supports multiple ecosystems, and therefore, the correct chain must be chosen to ensure secure transfers and prevent loss.

Axelar Comparison: Advantages & Disadvantages
---------------------------------------------

Axelar's place in the interoperability ecosystem is special in that it provides a more decentralized and programmable solution compared to traditional bridges. Nevertheless, like all infrastructure protocols, Axelar has its pros and cons. This helps in understanding the advantages that Axelar coin provides compared to other technologies in space.

### Advantages of Axelar

#### 1\. A Truly Decentralized Security Model

Most cross-chain bridges use a system of multisignature custodians, small validator groups, or even centralized operators. Axelar, on the other hand, uses a Proof-of-Stake validator network, which provides more economic security in the verification of messages.

#### 2\. Generalized Cross-Chain Messaging

Axelar is not just limited to the transfer of tokens. It is a universal message passing system that allows applications to communicate with each other across chains at the smart contract level. It is possible to create dApps that work seamlessly with Ethereum, Cosmos, Avalanche, Polygon, and more without the need for separate bridges.

#### 3\. Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM)

AVM enables programmability on the interoperability layer, and this enables the capability for complex logic such as multi-chain orchestration, routing, etc., which cannot be performed on most bridges or interoperability protocols.

#### 4\. Broad Ecosystem Integration

With support for dozens of blockchains, Axelar has one of the largest integration networks in the Web3 world, and DeFi platforms, wallets, DEXs, and NFTs are actively using Axelar to unite their multi-chain experiences.

### Disadvantages of Axelar

#### 1\. Higher Complexity for Developers New to Multi-Chain Architecture

Although Axelar greatly eases the development of cross-chain applications, there are some additional design and testing aspects to be considered for multi-chain dApps compared to single-chain dApps.

#### 2\. Network Fees for Cross-Chain Messages

Since Axelar supports verification and execution across various blockchain platforms, cross-chain transactions are more costly compared to single-chain transactions. However, they are competitive compared to other decentralized interoperability alternatives.

#### 3\. Dependency on Gateway Contracts

There are gateway contracts for every blockchain network used. In case of congestion, latency, or execution limits in the native environment of a blockchain, cross-chain operations might be impacted.

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The AXL crypto token is used for security, governance, and transaction fees, and cross-chain operations.

What Is Axelar (AXL)? 

[XRP](https://exolix.com/currencies/xrp){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"} has remained one of the most held cryptocurrencies around the globe, amassing a strong community, partnerships with institutions, and being listed in the top digital assets by market capitalization for a long period of time. While interest in XRP has been growing all along, especially given recent regulatory developments and global adoption milestones-a number of investors have come up with questions about how many people own XRP, how holdings are distributed, and what the latest XRP Rich List shows about ownership concentration.

With on-chain data, while exact ownership numbers cannot be measured with complete certainty, it gives a clear picture of how XRP wealth is distributed and how the global holder base has changed going into 2026, as wallets cannot be equated to individuals.

[![xrp to usdt swap](https://blog.exolix.com/uploads/xrp_to_usdt_6f926364c9.png)](https://exolix.com/currencies/xrp){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"}

Understanding XRP Ownership in 2026
-----------------------------------

Before dissecting the XRP rich list in detail, it is important to note that the definition of ownership has to be understood first. Like other digital currencies across the globe, XRP uses a system based on wallet addresses rather than user accounts. A user can have multiple wallets, while a wallet can belong to thousands of people across different exchanges.

For that reason, ownership estimates are based on three measures:

-   The distribution of on-chain wallets - how many people own XRP in the world and how many is distributed across addresses

-   Exchange custodies: large wallet balances can be the sum of balances of many people

-   Ecosystem participation data - wallets interacting with staking, transfers, payments, etc.

These sources, when viewed collectively, provide a realistic view of the widespread nature of XRP ownership and the locations of large stores of wealth.

Currently, as of 2026, XRP remains to be among the most distributed cryptocurrencies in the world with millions of its addresses holding some amount of XRP. This range of XRP holders includes retail investors, long-term supporters, as well as institutions exploring payment use cases.

How Many People Own XRP Globally?
---------------------------------

Determining the total number of XRP holders remains impossible considering that blockchains do not contain information that could allow one to track individuals from a given digital wallet address. However, estimating the number ranges of ownership remains possible with a reasonable level of accuracy.

According to on-chain analytics as of 2026, there are millions of XRP addresses with a non-zero XRP balance. The number of XRP owners across the globe is also lower than the number of addresses due to exchanges as users of exchanges keep XRP in their accounts, and each account might have tens of thousands of customers.

**Total XRP supply: 100 billion XRP**

## Major named individual holders

It appears that while corporations carry the torch, there have been a few individuals who at some point in recent history held large sums of XRP tokens. In these cases, the accusations are being publically tagged and reported.

### Chris Larsen

Chris Larsen Chris Larsen, a co-founder and early individual behind the XRP ecosystem is often referred to as the largest individual founder. Tags in XRPSCAN and reports from Cointelegraph, Coincodex (Nov 2025) have highlighted several addresses where Larse’s holdings are stashed. Together all of these said listed wallets hold a massive amount of XRP.

### Board/executive grants (Brad Garlinghouse and others)

Allocations have typically gone to senior executives and early employees. Typically, these wallets are smaller than Ripple’s corporate holdings and Chris Larsen’s combined holdings but still comprise a material amount.

### Historical holder: Jed McCaleb

Another early developer, Jed McCaleb, held a significant portion of the XRP. Point is: with time a structured sale agreement and distribution plan diminished the on‑ledger concentration of his holdings.

McCaleb’s sales were executed according to legal arrangements and topsy-turvy PHP transfers set up to avoid disrupting the market.

### Why Exact Holder Counts Are Complicated

There are a number of things that make it difficult to measure

-   One individual may possess 10 wallets.

-   A single exchange wallet could account for 10,000 individuals.

-   Many transactions on XRP are done inside its custodial environments, away from the blockchain

-   Some of these addresses can sit idle for years, forming "dormant addresses.

Therefore, instead of providing specific data on what the exact numbers are on specific individuals, the focus is on trends related to addresses.

Despite such flaws, we may conclude that XRP remains as widely distributed as any asset globally, even compared to leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as prominent stablecoins.

XRP Rich List 2026: Understanding Wealth Distribution
-------------------------------------------------------

The XRP Rich List helps to create an understanding of how many people own XRP in different addresses. Though it does not disclose the entities controlling the different addresses, it is obvious how the XRP wealth is concentrated in different volume bands.

## Top 10 accounts by XRP balance

| \# |                 Account                   |   |              |     Balance             |                   |
|----|------------------------------------|---|--------------|------------------|-------------------|
| 1  | rB3WNZc45gxzW31zxfXdkx8HusAhoqscPn |  Ripple (11)  |           234XRP |  5,000,000,000XRP |
| 2  | r9UUEXn3cx2seufBkDa8F86usfjWM6HiYp | Ripple (10)  |           220XRP |  5,000,000,000XRP |
| 3  | rDdXiA3M4mYTQ4cFpWkVXfc2UaAXCFWeCK | Ripple (12)  |           216XRP |  5,000,000,000XRP |
| 4  | rKDvgGUsNPZxsgmoemfrgXPS2Not4co2op | Ripple (13)  |           201XRP |  5,000,000,000XRP |
| 5  | rMhkqz3DeU7GUUJKGZofusbrTwZe6bDyb1 | Ripple (28)  |   500,000,206XRP |  4,000,000,000XRP |
| 6  | r9NpyVfLfUG8hatuCCHKzosyDtKnBdsEN3 | Ripple (9)   |   500,000,204XRP |  4,000,000,000XRP |
| 7  | rN8pqRwLYuuvY7pUHurybPC8P6rLqVsu6o | Ripple (15)  |           200XRP |  3,100,000,000XRP |
| 8  | rKwJaGmB5Hz24Qs2iyCaTdUuL1WsEXUWy5 | Ripple (14)  |           201XRP |  3,000,000,000XRP |
| 9  | rPyCQm8E5j78PDbrfKF24fRC7qUAk1kDMZ | Bithumb (12) | 1,842,828,402XRP |                   |
| 10 | rs8ZPbYqgecRcDzQpJYAMhSxSi5htsjnza | Binance (5)  | 1,705,412,412XRP |                   |

### Distribution Patterns Seen in 2026

A number of observations have emerged across 2026 data:

1\. A small number of very large wallets have a lot of their funds in the form of XRP. The large wallets often comprise exchange custody accounts, institutional custody services, initial ecosystem members, and long-term holders who have been holding their XRP for a long time.

2\. Using the term 'Medium-Sized Wallets,' the group of retail investors, traders, and individuals holding the asset for payment purposes can be specified. This group of users comprises the broad contingent of the worldwide base of holders of the asset.

3\. The vast majority of the addresses have a small balance. This is a reflection of the ubiquitous nature of the XRP and the millions of holders that have a limited balance as a result of trading, sending money, and experimenting with cryptocurrency.

4\. The large exchanges in the ranking have a major impact because they consolidate user funds into a single account. The implication here is that such large amounts are not held by a single individual but are in fact held in accounts for thousands of users.

How Many People Own 1,000 XRP?
------------------------------

Many curious investors out there might wonder how many people own 1000 XRP, as this figure is considered the psychological threshold for the middle tier of holders. As previously stated, on-chain information cannot reveal the holder of each wallet, yet patterns on account distribution within the rich lists do allow one to place the "1,000 XRP tier" within the global ecosystem.

### Why 1,000 XRP Is an Important Benchmark

For many cryptocurrency communities, holding a round figure-such as 1,000 units-represents a transition from casual ownership to more intentional accumulation. One thousand coins could be viewed in the XRP ecosystem as being:

-   a mid-range holding,

-   achievable for most retail investors.

-   large enough to reflect interest but not necessarily long-term conviction.

-   that become significant when aggregated across millions of global holders.

This range helps analysts understand middle-class participation in the XRP network.

### What On-Chain Patterns Suggest

On-chain address distribution reveals that a good chunk of wallets fall in the range of hundreds to thousands of XRP. That means small and medium holders are pretty widespread, rather than extreme concentration among whales.

Several realities shape this segment:

-   A big portion of retail holders keep their XRP on centralized exchanges. Their balance is aggregated under a few big custodial wallets. Thus, it could well be the case that thousands of owners effectively have more than 1,000 XRP, but it's just not directly visible on-chain.

-   Long-term holders tend to build up over time, and the 1,000-XRP level is one place where casual holding starts to become more serious.

-   The global nature of the XRP community means mid-tier holdings appear across multiple regions, not just in North America or Europe.

[![xrp swap](https://blog.exolix.com/uploads/Frame_1991431864_15_10100b1b08.png)](https://exolix.com/currencies/xrp){:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"} 

### Interpreting the Data

Based on address categories and exchange custody patterns, it may be stated that a huge number of people worldwide have at least 1,000 XRP coins, putting them in the middle section of the curve, rather than whale or Small Holder investors.

-   This tier is often associated with:

-   long-term retail investors,

-   active traders building position sizes,

-   and users who follow the developments related to the ecosystem of XRP. 

Although the actual worldwide figures can only be given anonymously, from every indicator, the ownership group of 1,000 XRP is recognized as comprising a significant segment of the entire community of XRPs.

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How many people own Ripple (XRP) in the world? XRP remains to be among the most distributed cryptocurrencies in the world with millions of its addresses holding some amount of XRP.

How many people own XRP? XRP Rich List 2026

Currently, as of 2026, XRP remains to be among the most distributed cryptocurrencies in the world with millions of its addresses holding some amount of XRP.

Authors Page

Bradley Pierce

Crypto Niche Expert

Articles: 594

What Is Axelar (AXL)?

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